Accessory pigments
Accessory Pigments
Accessory pigments (pronunciation: /əkˈsesəri ˈpiɡmənts/) are molecules that assist chlorophyll in capturing light energy and converting it into chemical energy during the process of photosynthesis.
Etymology
The term 'accessory' originates from the Latin word 'accessorius', meaning 'additional', and 'pigment' comes from the Latin 'pigmentum', meaning 'paint'. Thus, 'accessory pigments' can be interpreted as 'additional paints' that aid in the process of photosynthesis.
Function
Accessory pigments absorb light energy that chlorophyll a cannot absorb. They include chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and phycobilins. These pigments absorb light in the blue and red-orange spectrum, and reflect green light, which gives plants their green color.
Types of Accessory Pigments
- Chlorophyll b: This pigment absorbs blue and red-orange light and reflects green light. It assists chlorophyll a in capturing light energy.
- Carotenoids: These pigments absorb blue and green light, and reflect yellow, orange, and red light. They protect the plant by absorbing and dissipating excess light energy that could damage chlorophyll or interact with oxygen to form reactive oxidative molecules.
- Phycobilins: These pigments, found in red algae and cyanobacteria, absorb green, yellow, and orange light, and reflect red light.
Related Terms
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Accessory pigments
- Wikipedia's article - Accessory pigments
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