Which type of pigments are non-chlorophyll pigments that expand light absorption range in photosynthesis?

• A. Chlorophyll
• B. Accessory Pigment
• C. Primary Pigments
• D. Carotenoids

Answer: (B)

Photosynthesis uses light-harvesting pigments to capture energy and funnel it to the reaction center. While chlorophyll a is the main pigment that drives the reaction, non-chlorophyll pigments that broaden the range of usable light are called accessory pigments. They absorb wavelengths that chlorophyll a doesn’t capture well and pass that energy to chlorophyll a, increasing the overall light-absorbing range and efficiency. Examples include carotenoids and other pigments like phycobilins in various organisms. So, the type described is accessory pigments.