Outline the importance of photosynthetic pigments in photosynthesis

Photosynthetic pigments are found in certain proteins and absorb photons (waves of light) at particular wavelengths. This absorbance causes electrons in the pigments to become excited and they increase in energy level. Accessory pigments e.g. b-carotene (found in carrots and causing them to be orange) pass on this energy to primary pigments e.g. chlorophyll a, which lose an electron (become oxidised) to the electron transport chain in the Z-scheme.

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is meant by the term stroke volume?


Explain why glucose is needed for the contraction of skeletal muscle.


What is the difference between DNA, mRNA and tRNA? and why are they different?


Diabetes can damage the nervous system. Explain how this may alter the response of heart rate to changes in blood pressure.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences