Accessory pigments

Accessory Pigments are organic compounds that absorb light energy and pass it to chlorophyll in photosynthetic organisms. They are crucial in capturing a broader spectrum of light energy than chlorophyll alone can manage.

Function

Accessory pigments function by absorbing light energy and transferring it to chlorophyll, the primary pigment in photosynthesis. This process allows photosynthetic organisms to capture a wider range of light energy than they could with chlorophyll alone.

Types of Accessory Pigments

There are several types of accessory pigments, including carotenoids, xanthophylls, and phycobilins. Each of these pigments absorbs light energy at different wavelengths, allowing photosynthetic organisms to capture a broad spectrum of light energy.

Carotenoids

Carotenoids are a type of accessory pigment that absorb blue and green light, reflecting yellow, orange, and red light. They are responsible for the vibrant colors seen in many fruits and vegetables.

Xanthophylls

Xanthophylls are a type of accessory pigment that absorb blue light and reflect yellow light. They are found in many types of plants and algae.

Phycobilins

Phycobilins are a type of accessory pigment found in red algae and cyanobacteria. They absorb green, yellow, and orange light and reflect red and blue light.

Role in Photosynthesis

In photosynthesis, accessory pigments play a crucial role in capturing light energy and transferring it to chlorophyll. This process allows photosynthetic organisms to capture a wider range of light energy than they could with chlorophyll alone, increasing their energy efficiency and productivity.

See Also

• Photosynthesis
• Chlorophyll
• Carotenoids
• Xanthophylls
• Phycobilins