Photosynthetic Pigments

Pigments

● organic molecules

● selectively absorb light of specific wavelengths

● built in the thylakoid membranes

Chlorophyll a

● site for photosynthesis

● found in the chloroplast

● converts solar energy to chemical energy

● consists of a porphyrin ring with a central magnesium core

Chlorophyll b

● absorbs mainly blue and orange light but reflects olive green

● does not participate directly in light reactions

Carotenoids

● various shades of red, yellow, and orange

● absorbs mainly violet, blue, and green light ● appear once the chlorophyll breaks down

chloroplast

a cell organelle in most autotrophs that can convert solar energy into reusable chemical energy.

Chlorophyll b

present in higher plants and green algae, such as Volvox.

Carotenoids

are evident in autumn leaves in temperate regions.

Carotenes

include alpha-carotene, betacarotene, and lycopene

Xanthophyll

includes lutein and fucoxanthin