Chapter 1- Light & Life

Question 1

light

Answer 1

portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can detect with their eyes

Question 2

electromagnetic spectrum

Answer 2

the range of frequencies of electromagnetic radiation extending from gamma rays to the longest radio waves including visible light

Question 3

photons

Answer 3

discrete particle of packet of energy

Question 4

absorbed

Answer 4

prcoess by which cells take up substances such as nutrients

Question 5

transmittion

Answer 5

the sending of a message along a neuron and then to another neuron to a muscle or gland

Question 6

pigments

Answer 6

molecule that can absorb photon of light

Question 7

melatonin

Answer 7

peptide hormone secreted by the pineal gland that helps maintain daily biorhythms

Question 8

circadian rhytm

Answer 8

any biological activity that is repeated in cycles, each about 24 hours long, independent of any shifts in environmental conditions

Question 9

3 ways light can be used

Answer 9

reflected off object (colour)
transmitted through object
absorbed by the object (its energy can be used, photosynthesis)

Question 10

how rhodopsin allows us to see

Answer 10

Rhodopsin consists of a protein (opsin) that binds a pigment molecule (retinal). Upon absorption of a photon of light, retinal changes shape, which triggers changes to the opsin molecule. These changes trigger signalling events, which allow the organism to “see.”