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 will analyze each pigment mentioned in the question: chlorophyll, carotene, xanthophyll, and phycobilin.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the pigments**: The pigments we need to analyze are chlorophyll, carotene, xanthophyll, and phycobilin.

2. **Analyze Carotene**:
- Carotene is a red or orange pigment that belongs to the class of carotenoids.
- Carotenoids are known to be fat-soluble pigments.
- **Conclusion**: Carotene is not soluble in water.

3. **Analyze Xanthophyll**:
- Xanthophyll is another carotenoid pigment, which is yellow in color.
- Like carotene, xanthophyll is also a fat-soluble pigment.
- **Conclusion**: Xanthophyll is not soluble in water.

4. **Analyze Chlorophyll**:
- Chlorophyll is the primary pigment in photosynthesis and is green in color.
- Chlorophyll is also known to be fat-soluble.
- **Conclusion**: Chlorophyll is not soluble in water.

5. **Analyze Phycobilin**:
- Phycobilin is a pigment that belongs to the class of water-soluble pigments.
- It consists of two types of pigments: phycocyanin and phycoerythrin.
- **Conclusion**: Phycobilin is soluble in water.

6. **Final Answer**: Based on the analysis, the only pigment that is soluble in water is **phycobilin**.