Ulothrix, a type of green algae, contains the pigments chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids.
- Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment responsible for absorbing light energy for photosynthesis.
- Chlorophyll b is an accessory pigment that absorbs light in different wavelengths than chlorophyll a, expanding the range of light that can be used for photosynthesis.
- Carotenoids are also accessory pigments that absorb light and protect chlorophyll from damage caused by excessive light. They are responsible for the yellow, orange, and red colors often seen in algae.
The presence of these pigments allows Ulothrix to efficiently capture light energy for photosynthesis, enabling its growth and survival.