Which of the following is the primary pigment involved in photosynthesis?

Correct answer: (a) Chlorophyll a

Explanation

Chlorophyll a is the primary photosynthetic pigment. It is present in all plants that release oxygen in photosynthesis, and it forms the reaction centres (P680 and P700) where light energy is turned into chemical energy.

The accessory pigments (chlorophyll b, carotenes and xanthophylls) absorb light of other wavelengths and pass the energy on to chlorophyll a. Carotenoids also protect the chlorophyll from damage by too much light.