Which of these photosynthetic pigments are soluble in water ?

Options

A. Chlorophyll
B. Carotene
C. Xanthophyll
D. Phycobilin

Answer

To determine which photosynthetic pigments are soluble in water, we can analyze each pigment mentioned in the question step by step.

### Step 1: Identify the pigments
The pigments we need to consider are:
1. Chlorophyll
2. Carotene
3. Xanthophyll
4. Phycobilene

### Step 2: Analyze Chlorophyll
- Chlorophyll is known to be soluble in organic solvents such as ethanol, acetone, or alcohol.
- **Conclusion**: Chlorophyll is **not soluble** in water.

### Step 3: Analyze Carotene
- Carotene is a type of carotenoid pigment that is known to be fat-soluble.
- **Conclusion**: Carotene is **not soluble** in water.

### Step 4: Analyze Xanthophyll
- Xanthophyll is another carotenoid pigment, and it is also primarily fat-soluble.
- It is mentioned that it is soluble in hygiene (a type of organic solvent), but not in water.
- **Conclusion**: Xanthophyll is **not soluble** in water.

### Step 5: Analyze Phycobilene
- Phycobilene is a pigment that is known to be soluble in water.
- This solubility is attributed to the presence of hydrogen bonds, which allows it to dissolve in water.
- **Conclusion**: Phycobilene is **soluble** in water.

### Final Conclusion
Among the pigments analyzed, the only one that is soluble in water is **Phycobilene**.