5- photosynthetic pigments

Question 1

absorption spectrum

Answer 1

• Show the amount of light absorbed by each pigment, measured at each wavelength.
• Chlorophyll is green because it reflects green light but absorbs all others, mainly red and blue.

Question 2

action spectrum

Answer 2

Measures the rate of photosynthesis by a plant at different wavelengths.

Question 3

variety in photosynthetic pigments

Answer 3

• Many plants have different photosynthetic pigments.
• This allows plants to maximise absorption of light energy and adapt to varying light conditions.
• Almost all plants use chlorophylls as their primary pigment, but the range of accessory pigments depend upon their habitat.

Question 4

types of photosynthetic pigments

Answer 4

• Chlorophyll a (blue-violet and red).
• Chlorophyll b (blue and red-orange).
• Carotenoids (blue and green).
• Phycobilins (green, yellow and orange).