Antenna pigments

Definition

Antenna pigments are molecules in chloroplasts that capture and transfer light energy to the reaction center during photosynthesis. They play a crucial role in maximizing the efficiency of light absorption.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Antenna pigments include chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and phycobilins.
2. They are located in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts.
3. These pigments absorb light at different wavelengths than chlorophyll a, broadening the spectrum of light that can be used for photosynthesis.
4. Energy captured by antenna pigments is transferred to the reaction center via resonance energy transfer.
5. The primary function of antenna pigments is to increase the surface area for light absorption, thereby enhancing photosynthetic efficiency.

Review Questions

• What are the main types of antenna pigments found in chloroplasts?
• Where within the chloroplast are antenna pigments located?
• How do antenna pigments contribute to the efficiency of photosynthesis?

Related terms

Chlorophyll a:

The primary pigment in photosystems responsible for converting light energy into chemical energy.

Thylakoid Membrane: The site within the chloroplast where light-dependent reactions take place.

Resonance Energy Transfer: The process by which energy is transferred from one molecule to another within the light-harvesting complex.