Accessory pigments in plants primarily serve which function?

Accessory pigments in plants, such as carotenoids and phycobilins, play a crucial role in photosynthesis by complementing the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll. While chlorophyll mainly absorbs light in the blue and red wavelengths, accessory pigments absorb light in different wavelengths, particularly in the green and yellow areas of the spectrum. This additional absorption allows plants to utilize a broader range of light energy, which is especially beneficial in environments where certain wavelengths are less abundant.

By capturing and transferring this light energy to chlorophyll, accessory pigments enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis, leading to increased production of glucose and oxygen. They also help protect the plant from excess light and oxidative damage by dissipating the energy as heat. This multifaceted support for photosynthesis underlines the importance of accessory pigments in plant biology and their role in overall plant health and productivity.