5.6 Photosynthetic pigments

Question 1

What is the absorption spectra?

Answer 1

The percentage of each wavelength of light that a photosynthetic pigment absorbs
Usually represented in a graph

Question 2

What is the action spectrum?

Answer 2

A graph that shows the overall rate of photosynthesis at each wavelength of light

Question 3

What is photosynthesis?

Answer 3

The process where light energy from the sun is transformed into chemical energy

Question 4

What are autotrophic organisms?

Answer 4

Organisms that can make energy-containing organic compounds out of inorganic sources

Question 5

What are plant pigments?

Answer 5

Molecules that absorb light energy over a range of wavelengths

Question 6

Where are pigments found in plants?

Answer 6

Embedded in the thylakoid membrane within chloroplasts

Question 7

Why do plants have a variety of pigments?

Answer 7

To widen the range of wavelengths of light they can absorb to ensure maximum rate of photosynthesis