Question

Carotenoids are often found in foods that are considered to have antioxidant properties in human nutrition. What related function do they have in plants?
a. they serve as accessory pigments to increase light absorption
b. they protect against oxidative damage from excessive light energy
c. they shield the chromosomes of the plant from harmful ultraviolet radiation
d. they reflect orange light and enhance red light absorption by chloropyll
e. they take up and remove toxins from the groundwater

Answer 1

Answer;

B. They protect against oxidative damage from excessive light energy

Explanation;

• Some carotenoids seem to be function as photoprotectors.
• These compounds absorb and dissipate excessive light energy that would otherwise damage chlorophyll or interact with oxygen, forming reactive oxidative molecules that are dangerous to the cell.