Final answer:
Red algae, or rhodophyta, contain chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b as their photosynthetic pigments. These pigments, along with additional pigments such as phycocyanins and phycoerythrins, allow red algae to absorb light energy and undergo photosynthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chlorophylls and carotenoids are the two major classes of photosynthetic pigments found in plants and algae. Rhodophyta, also known as red algae, contain chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b as their photosynthetic pigments.
These pigments allow red algae to absorb light energy and convert it into chemical energy through the process of photosynthesis. Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b are responsible for the red coloration of rhodophyta.
Additionally, red algae may also contain other pigments such as phycocyanins and phycoerythrins, which contribute to their characteristic red color.