Question

In a chloroplast, what is the ration of chl a : chl b and carotenes : xanthophylls respectively?

• A. 3 : 1 and 2 : 1
• B. 2 : 1 and 3 : 1
• C. 3 : 2 and 1 : 1
• D. 1 : 1 and 3 : 2

Answer 1

The correct option is A 3 : 1 and 2 : 1

• A chloroplast is the site of photosynthesis, it contains all the pigments required for the process of photosynthesis. Pigments are of two types: Chlorophylls and Carotenoids.
• Chlorophylls are the green photosynthetic pigments, they are of mainly five types - chlorophyll a, b, c, d, and e. The amount of chlorophyll b is one-fourth of the total chlorophyll content while chlorophyll a is the universal or primary photosynthetic pigment and present in abundance.
• Carotenes are hydrocarbons, they may be yellow, brown or reddish pigments.
• Xanthophylls are oxygen-containing carotenes, yellowish brown in color.

So, the correct option is '3: 1 and 2: 1'.