photosynthesis: pigments

Question

Which pigment primarily absorbs blue and red light driving photosynthesis in higher plants?

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Photosynthetic Pigments**: Plants contain several pigments to harvest light energy.
2. **Reaction Center**: **Chlorophyll $a$** is the essential, primary pigment found in the reaction centers of both Photosystem I and II.
3. **Absorption Spectrum**: It absorbs light mostly in the **blue-violet** ($≈ 430 \ nm$) and **red** ($≈ 660 \ nm$) regions of the visible spectrum. It reflects green light, which is why leaves appear green.
4. **Accessory Pigments**: Chlorophyll $b$, carotenoids, and xanthophylls absorb light at other wavelengths and transfer the energy to chlorophyll $a$.

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photosynthesis: pigments

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