Question

Which of the following pigments are present in Phaeophyta?
A. Chlorophyll a
B. Chlorophyll c
C. r-phycocyanin
D. Fucoxanthin
E. r-phycoerythrene
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and E only
• B. D and E only
• C. A, B and D only
• D. B, C and E only

Hint:

Fucoxanthin is the diagnostic pigment for Phaeophyta (Brown Algae).
Phycoerythrin is diagnostic for Rhodophyta (Red Algae).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Algae are divided into major classes (Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta, Rhodophyta) based on their specific photosynthetic pigment profile.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Phaeophyta (brown algae) contain:
- Chlorophyll a (A) and Chlorophyll c (B) as their primary green light-harvesting pigments.
- Fucoxanthin (D), which is a brown carotenoid pigment that masks the green chlorophylls, giving them their characteristic olive-green to dark-brown color.
They completely lack phycobilins such as phycocyanin (C) and phycoerythrin (E), which are characteristic of Rhodophyta (red algae) and Cyanophyta (blue-green algae).
Therefore, the pigments present are A, B, and D only.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct combination is A, B, and D only, corresponding to option (C).