Pigments

What are pigments?

Pigments are found within the chloroplast of plant cells. In more detail they are found within the thylakoid membrane. These pigments allow for the absorption of light and become a powersource for photosynthesis.

What types of Pigments are there?

Some photosynthetic pigments include chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids. All these pigments absorb light at different wavelengths.

Chlorophyll a is called the primary pigment and is found within the photosystems that are embedded into the thylakoid membrane. These pigments are only used within light reactions as they are the ones absorbing light. These pigments reflect blue and green. 

Chlorophyll b is called the accessory pigment similar to chlorophyll a, however they reflect yellow and green pigments rather than blue and green like chlorophyll a. 

Carotenoids are also pigments however, they are very effective in photosynthesis. This is because they broaden the spectrum of colors that can absorb light therefore providing more light for photosynthesis to occur. They also conduct photoprotection, in which they absorb or dissipate light energy that could damage chlorophyll or it’s interactions with oxygen.