Photosynthesis Photosynthesis Pigments and Absorption

Question 1

Which pigment primarily absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light during photosynthesis in plants?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll a

Answer

Chlorophyll a is the primary photosynthetic pigment and absorbs light most strongly in the red (~680 nm) and blue (~430 nm) wavelengths.

Question 2

Why do most plant leaves appear green to the human eye?

Accepted Answer

Chlorophyll reflects green wavelengths rather than absorbing them

Answer

Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light for photosynthesis but reflects green wavelengths, which is what our eyes detect.

Question 3

What is the primary function of accessory pigments such as carotenoids and chlorophyll b in photosynthesis?

Accepted Answer

Capture light energy from a broader range of wavelengths and transfer it to chlorophyll a

Answer

Accessory pigments broaden the range of light wavelengths that can drive photosynthesis by absorbing energy and transferring it to chlorophyll a reaction centers.

Question 4

What is the approximate absorption peak of chlorophyll a in the red region of the visible spectrum?

Accepted Answer

680 nm

Answer

Chlorophyll a has a major absorption peak near 680 nm in the red region and another near 430 nm in the blue region.

Question 5

Which photosynthetic pigment is responsible for the orange color of carrots and also assists in harvesting light energy?

Accepted Answer

Beta-carotene

Answer

Beta-carotene is a carotenoid pigment that gives carrots their orange color and also serves as an accessory pigment in plant photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis Practice Test

Photosynthesis Practice Test

Photosynthesis Photosynthesis Pigments and Absorption