Final answer:
The correct association of pigment and function in an arthropod compound eye is rhodopsin for photoreception in low light conditions. Rhodopsin is activated by light and enables vision, while carotenoids like beta-carotene absorb UV light but are not primarily used for photoreception. Option A is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has inquired about the correct association of pigment and its function in an arthropod compound eye. Pigments play a significant role in photoreception. Rhodopsin is a pigment found in both arthropod eyes and human eyes that responds to light. In the compound eye of an arthropod, rhodopsin allows for photoreception, especially in low light conditions due to a conformational change that occurs in the presence of light. This conformational change initiates the signal transduction that ultimately leads to vision.
Carotenoids, such as Beta-carotene and others like lycopene and zeaxanthin, are known for absorbing excess energy in plants and can also absorb certain wavelengths of light, including UV light, thus protecting the eye from potential UV damage. However, melanin does not serve a direct function in photoreception but does provide structural support and UV protection in the eye. Lastly, xanthophylls are another group of carotenoids that are found in the retina, especially in the macula, and aid in color discrimination and protecting the eye from harmful light.
Based on the given information, the correct association between pigment and function in an arthropod compound eye is a. Rhodopsin - Photoreception in low light conditions.