Carotenoids Have Primary Roles in Photosynthesis As

Question

Carotenoids have primary roles in photosynthesis as:
A) accessory light-harvesting and photooxidation.
B) accessory light-harvesting and photoprotection from reactive oxygen species.
C) resonance transfer pigments and photooxidation.
D) resonance transfer and photodiffusion protection.
E) none are true.

Accepted Answer

Carotenoids serve as accessory light-harvesting pigments, funneling absorbed energy to chlorophyll molecules in photosynthesis. They also protect the photosynthetic machinery from excess light energy that could cause oxidative damage to the system. Thus, carotenoids have primary roles in photoprotection from reactive oxygen species.