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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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[edit | edit source]
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD