Carotenoids are often found in foods that are considered to have antioxidant properties in human nutrition. Which of the following statements best describes a related function they serve in plants?

A) They serve as accessory pigments to increase light absorption.
B) They protect against oxidative damage from excessive light energy.
C) They shield the sensitive chromosomes of the plant from harmful ultraviolet radiation.
D) They reflect orange light and enhance red light absorption by chlorophyll.