In photosynthesis, pigments other than chlorophyll that broaden the range of light absorbed are called ...

• A. Accessory Pigment
• B. Chlorophyll A
• C. Carotenoids
• D. Phycobilins

Answer: (A)

Photosynthesis relies on multiple pigments that extend the range of light energy that can be harvested. In addition to chlorophyll, accessory pigments absorb wavelengths that chlorophyll A doesn’t efficiently capture and then transfer that energy to the photosynthetic reaction centers. Carotenoids and phycobilins are examples of these pigments, helping capture blue and green light and widening the spectrum, as well as protecting the plant from light stress. Because the question asks for the general category of pigments that broaden absorption, the correct term is accessory pigments. Specific types like carotenoids or phycobilins are included under that umbrella, while chlorophyll A is the primary pigment involved in the light reactions and is not the term for this broader group.