Chloroplast Pigments (Cambridge International A-Level Biology)
Exam board Cambridge International · A-LevelUpdated 2026-10-13
Spec point —
13.1.4· describe the role of chloroplast pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotene and xanthophyll) in light absorption in thylakoids
Chloroplast pigments
- Chloroplasts contain several different photosynthetic pigments within the thylakoids, which absorb different wavelengths of light
| Pigment group | Name of pigment | Colour of pigment |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorophylls | Chlorophyll a | Blue-green |
| Chlorophyll b | Yellow-green | |
| Carotenoids | β carotene | Orange |
| Xanthophyll | Yellow |
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Chlorophylls absorb wavelengths in the blue-violet and red regions of the light spectrum
- They reflect green light, causing plants to appear green
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Carotenoids absorb wavelengths of light mainly in the blue-violet region of the spectrum
Exam Hint Remember—the pigments themselves have colours, which are the colours of the visible light spectrum that they reflect(back into our eyes). This is different from the colours of light that they absorb.
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