Which of the following is the primary pigment involved in capturing light energy during photosynthesis in plants?

• A. Carotene
• B. Anthocyanin
• C. Chlorophyll a
• D. Xanthophyll

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the role of pigments in photosynthesis. Pigments are molecules that absorb specific wavelengths of light and are crucial for capturing light energy during photosynthesis.
2. Step 2: Learn about the types of pigments found in plants. Common pigments include chlorophylls, carotenoids (like carotene and xanthophyll), and anthocyanins. Each has a specific role in light absorption.
3. Step 3: Focus on chlorophyll a, which is the primary pigment in photosynthesis. Chlorophyll a absorbs light most efficiently in the blue-violet and red regions of the spectrum and is directly involved in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
4. Step 4: Compare chlorophyll a with accessory pigments like carotene, xanthophyll, and anthocyanin. These pigments help broaden the range of light absorption but are not the primary pigments for capturing light energy.
5. Step 5: Conclude that chlorophyll a is the correct answer because it is the main pigment responsible for capturing light energy and driving the photosynthetic process in plants.