Definition
noun, plural: accessory pigments
A non-chlorophyll pigment inside the chloroplast of photosynthetic organisms, and help in absorbing other light energy essential during the light reactions of photosynthesis
Supplement
In photosynthetic organisms such as algae and plants, they have light-absorbing pigments essential in the process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a process that produces complex organic material from inorganic sources and light energy. The process is comprised of two main reactions: the light reactions and the dark reactions. The light reactions of photosynthesis occur on the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast. The light reactions may either be cyclic or non-cyclic. In cyclic reaction, when the electron is displaced from the photosystem, the electron is passed down the electron acceptor molecules and returns back to photosystem I, from where it was emitted. In the non-cyclic reaction, the photons are captured in the light-harvesting antenna complexes of photosystem II by chlorophyll and other accessory pigments. Accessory pigments are therefore essential since they help absorb light and then pass the energy to a primary pigment, i.e. chlorophyll. Examples of accessory pigments are carotenoids (e.g. xanthophylls and carotenes) and phycobilins (e.g. phycoerythrin, phycocyanin, allophycocyanin, etc.).
See also:
Dictionary > Accessory pigment
You will also like...

Genetics – Lesson Outline & Worksheets
Topics Modules Quizzes/Worksheets Description Introduction to Genetics Genetics – Definition: Heredity and ..

Bryophytes
Bryophytes (nonvascular plants) are a plant group characterized by lacking vascular tissues. They include the mosses, th..

Meiosis – The Genetics of Reproduction
Meiosis is a form of cell division that creates gametes. It is comprised of two divisions that in the end, the resulting..

Plant Cells vs. Animal Cells
Plant cells have plastids essential in photosynthesis. They also have an additional layer called cell wall on their cell..

Darwin and Natural Selection
This tutorial investigates the genetic diversity in more detail. It also delineates how certain alleles are favored over..

The Origins of Life
This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..