Question

Photosynthetic pigments common to all algae

• A. Chlorophyll 'b' and carotene
• B. Chlorophyll 'a' and 'b'
• C. Chlorophyll 'a' and carotene
• D. Chlorophyll and xanthophyll

Answer 1

The correct option is C Chlorophyll 'a' and carotene

Chlorophyll a acts as a reaction center and carotene shows a wide range of light absorption for photosynthesis.
In all algae, chlorophyll a acts as a reaction center which absorbs light energy and converts it into chemical energy which makes photosynthesis possible. Carotene and chlorophyll a molecules are water insoluble and remains attach to the cell. Carotene absorbs light energy and transfer it to chlorophyll a as they cannot directly transfer it to photosynthetic pathway.
Carotene are orange yellow red color pigments which shows a wide range of light absorption in photosynthesis.
Other options:
Chlorophyll b occurs only in green algae and plants.
Xanthophyll occurs only in Phaeophyta (brown algae) and Chlorophyta (green algae).

Therefore, the correct answer is option C.