Green Algae Pigmentation Explained

Green algae appear green due to the presence of a specific pigment essential for photosynthesis.

• Chlorophyll is the primary pigment responsible for the green color in green algae (Chlorophyta).
• This pigment absorbs sunlight, particularly in the red and blue wavelengths, and reflects green light, making the algae appear green.
• Other accessory pigments like carotenoids (including xanthophylls) and sometimes phycobilins (like phycoerythrin in other algal groups, but less dominant in green algae) are also present but are masked by the abundance of chlorophyll.
• Therefore, chlorophyll is the direct reason for the green coloration observed in these organisms.

The correct option is B, chlorophyll.