Question

In higher plants, the light harvesting molecules are:

• A. Vitamin D and cytochrome C
• B. Cytochrome C and chlorophyll
• C. Anthocyanin and carotenoid
• D. Chlorophyll and carotenoid

Hint:

Chlorophyll absorbs light for photosynthesis, while carotenoids protect plants from light-induced damage and expand the range of light absorbed.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding light harvesting molecules.
In higher plants, light harvesting molecules are pigments that absorb light and play a crucial role in photosynthesis. The primary pigments involved are chlorophyll and carotenoids. Chlorophyll absorbs light energy, while carotenoids assist by absorbing light in different spectra and protecting the plant from photo-damage.
Step 2: Analyzing the options.
(1) Vitamin D and cytochrome C: This is incorrect. Vitamin D and cytochrome C are not involved in light harvesting for photosynthesis.
(2) Cytochrome C and chlorophyll: This is incorrect. Cytochrome C is involved in cellular respiration, not light harvesting.
(3) Anthocyanin and carotenoid: This is incorrect. Anthocyanins are pigments involved in flower color and not light harvesting, although carotenoids are involved in light absorption.
(4) Chlorophyll and carotenoid: Correct — Chlorophyll and carotenoids are the two main light-harvesting molecules in plants, crucial for photosynthesis.
Step 3: Conclusion.
The correct answer is (4) Chlorophyll and carotenoid, as these are the primary pigments used in light harvesting in plants.