Which Is NOT An Example Of A Pigment In Plants? (Check All That Apply) A. Chlorophyll A B. Pyruvate C. Carotenoids D. Chlorophyll B
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Pyruvate.
Explanation:
In plants, pigments are molecules that absorb light and are crucial for photosynthesis. They are typically involved in capturing light energy to convert it into chemical energy. Let’s examine the options to determine which ones are pigments and which one is not.
- Chlorophyll A (Option A):
Chlorophyll A is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis. It absorbs light most efficiently in the blue-violet and red parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Chlorophyll A plays a crucial role in the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, where it helps in the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. - Pyruvate (Option B):
Pyruvate is not a pigment. It is an organic compound that is a key intermediate in several metabolic pathways, including glycolysis. Pyruvate is produced as a result of glucose breakdown in the process of cellular respiration, not as a pigment involved in light absorption. Therefore, it is not involved in photosynthesis or the coloration of plants. - Carotenoids (Option C):
Carotenoids are pigments that also play a role in photosynthesis. They are responsible for absorbing light in the blue and green parts of the spectrum and reflect yellow, orange, and red light, which is why they give fruits, vegetables, and some plant parts their characteristic colors. Carotenoids also protect the plant from oxidative damage by dissipating excess light energy. - Chlorophyll B (Option D):
Chlorophyll B is another pigment found in plants. It assists in photosynthesis by absorbing light that Chlorophyll A cannot, particularly in the blue and red-orange parts of the spectrum. It helps broaden the range of light that plants can use for energy production.
Thus, Pyruvate is not a pigment in plants, making it the correct answer for this question.