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Multiple Choice
Which of the following functional groups is primarily responsible for the absorption of light in pigment molecules within the antenna or light-harvesting complex?
A
Amino group
B
Conjugated double bonds
C
Carbonyl group
D
Hydroxyl group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand that pigment molecules in the antenna or light-harvesting complex are responsible for capturing light energy, which is crucial for photosynthesis.
Recognize that the ability of a molecule to absorb light is often related to the presence of certain functional groups that can interact with light.
Identify that conjugated double bonds are a series of alternating single and double bonds, which allow for delocalization of electrons across the molecule.
Realize that this delocalization of electrons in conjugated systems lowers the energy gap between the ground state and excited state, allowing the molecule to absorb visible light.
Conclude that among the given options, conjugated double bonds are primarily responsible for the absorption of light in pigment molecules due to their ability to delocalize electrons and absorb light in the visible spectrum.