Energy from sunlight can excite electrons, kicking them out of their orbitals and creating freeradicals. free radicals are highly reactive atoms or molecules that have unpaired electrons and degrade and destroy other compounds in their vicinity. carotenoids, one of the pigments present in most chloroplasts, can stabilize these free radicals. this suggests that
a) once chloroplasts are destroyed, the free radicals will destroy the cell
b) carotenoids probably have a protective function in the cell
c) free radicals induce the synthesis of carotenoids in chloroplasts
d) carotenoids communicate directly with the immune system of plants