Final answer:
Chlorophylls and carotenoids are the main pigments in plants and algae, essential for photosynthesis and each having distinct absorption spectra. Chlorophylls include types a, b, c, and d, whereas carotenoids encompass many forms, such as β-carotene. Their structure and function are identified through spectrophotometry and chromatography.
Step-by-step explanation:
The two main pigments extracted in the lab this week are chlorophylls and carotenoids, which are vital for the photosynthesis process in plants and algae. Chlorophylls are represented by several types such as chlorophyll a, b, c, and d, along with bacteriochlorophyll found in prokaryotes.
Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are specifically found in higher plant chloroplasts. Carotenoids, on the other hand, are a larger group with many forms, such as β-carotene which is responsible for the orange color in carrots.
Each pigment type has a unique absorption spectrum, meaning it absorbs specific wavelengths of light. Using a spectrophotometer, scientists can identify the types of pigments present in an organism by analyzing the light they absorb. The pigments are embedded in thylakoid membranes wit