The chlorophyll a molecules in the reaction center of a photosystem participate directly in the capture of solar energy. What is the purpose of the accessory pigments?
A) They participate in the Calvin cycle.
B) They funnel solar energy to chlorophyll a in the reaction center.
C) They split the water molecule to supply electrons to the chlorophyll a in the reaction center.
D) They change the color of the leaves to discourage predators.
E) They have no purpose.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The chlorophyll a in the reaction center is only able to accept certain wavelengths of light. The accessory pigments capture other wavelengths and pass them from one pigment to another until the correct wavelength is reached, and then pass them to the chlorophyll a in the reaction center.

The Chlorophyll a Molecules in the Reaction Center of a Photosystem