Carotenoids | MCQs

Explanation

Autumn leaves appear red and yellow because carotenoids are revealed.

This happens when chlorophyll breaks down in response to less sunlight.

Shown is a colour photograph of bright red and yellow flowers with green stems and leaves.

Explanation

• Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in chloroplasts.
• It responsible for absorbing light energy and playing a central role in photosynthesis.

Explanation

Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment essential for photosynthesis.

It is found in all photosynthetic organisms except bacteria.

It plays a central role in capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy.

Explanation

Carotenoids serve multiple functions in plants:

Broaden Spectrum of Light:

• Carotenoids can absorb light energy in the blue and green regions of the spectrum,
• thereby expanding the range of light wavelengths that can be used for photosynthesis.

Provide Yellow Color to the Plants:

• Carotenoids are responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors observed in many fruits, flowers, and vegetables.

Protect Chlorophyll by Absorbing Excessive Light:

• Carotenoids act as photoprotective agents by dissipating excess energy that chlorophyll molecules cannot handle,
• thus protecting the photosynthetic machinery from damage caused by excessive light exposure.