Question

Chlorophyll a is called universal photosynthetic pigment because it occurs in

• A. All photoautotrophs
• B. All eukaryotic photoautotrophs
• C. All oxygenic photoautotrophs
• D. Both oxygenic and anoxygenic photoautotrophs

Answer 1

The correct option is A All photoautotrophs

Chlorophyll- a:

1. It is bluish green or bright green pigment with a molecular formula C${}_{55}$H${}_{72}$O${}_5$N${}_4$Mg.

2. It is a universal photosynthetic pigment because it is present in every photosynthetic organism except eubacteria.

3. It is a primary photosynthetic pigment.

4. It is most abundant photosynthetic pigment.

5. Chlorophyll a is directly involved in the light reaction of photosynthesis. It is present in the reaction centres of Photosystem I and Photosystem II

Hence, the correct answer is 'All photoautotrophs'.