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.
