Question

In the higher plants, which region of visible light shows maximum absorption by carotenoids?

• A. Violet and blue
• B. Green and red
• C. Red and violet
• D. Blue and green

Answer 1

The correct option is D Blue and green

An absorption spectrum shows the ability of a substance to absorb light of a particular wavelength. The absorption spectrum is of utmost importance in photosynthesis as the light-absorbing pigments like chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are critical for the photosynthesis to run efficiently and it is used to study the wavelength of light that each pigment absorbs maximum.

As shown in the graph, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b shows maximum absorption in the blue-red region of the light spectrum while carotenoids absorb maximum light in the blue-green region and violet region. Chlorophyll appears green in color as neither chlorophyll a nor b absorbs green light.