The correct option is (a).
Explanation
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants synthesize food using sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water. The primary pigment responsible for trapping light energy is chlorophyll, which typically gives leaves their green colour. However, leaves may contain other pigments such as carotenoids (orange/yellow) and anthocyanins (red/purple) in varying concentrations.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: Leaves that appear red, violet, or brown still contain chlorophyll. The green colour of the chlorophyll is masked by the high concentration of other pigments, such as anthocyanins or carotenoids.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: Since these leaves possess chlorophyll, they are capable of performing photosynthesis. The presence of other pigments does not prevent the photosynthetic process; it merely alters the visual appearance of the leaf.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: The red, brown, or violet pigments do not destroy chlorophyll. Instead, they exist alongside chlorophyll in the leaf cells. In some cases, these accessory pigments can even help absorb light energy and protect chlorophyll from photo-damage, but they do not eliminate it.
Key Takeaway
Photosynthesis in Non-Green Leaves: The presence of non-green pigments (like anthocyanins or xanthophylls) masks the green colour of chlorophyll but does not indicate the absence of chlorophyll or the inability to perform photosynthesis.