Photosynthesis Question 15

15. Which fractions of the visible spectrum of solar radiations are primarily absorbed by carotenoids of the higher plants?

[2003]

(a) Violet and blue

(b) Blue and green

(c) Green and red

(d) Red and violet

Show Answer

Answer : a

Hints & Solution

(a) Carotenoids have three absorption peaks in the blue-violet range of the spectrum. In photosynthetic organisms, carotenoids play a vital role in the photosynthetic reaction centre. They either participate in the energytransfer process, or protect the reaction center from auto-oxidation. In non-photosynthesizing organisms, carotenoids have been linked to oxidation-preventing mechanisms.