Table of contents

1. Introduction to Microbiology3h 22m
2. Disproving Spontaneous Generation1h 18m
3. Chemical Principles of Microbiology3h 38m
4. Water1h 28m
5. Molecules of Microbiology2h 23m
6. Cell Membrane & Transport3h 28m
7. Prokaryotic Cell Structures & Functions5h 52m
8. Eukaryotic Cell Structures & Functions2h 18m
9. Microscopes2h 46m
10. Dynamics of Microbial Growth4h 36m
11. Controlling Microbial Growth4h 10m
12. Microbial Metabolism5h 16m
13. Photosynthesis2h 31m
14. DNA Replication2h 25m
15. Central Dogma & Gene Regulation7h 14m
16. Microbial Genetics4h 44m
17. Biotechnology3h 0m
18. Viruses, Viroids, & Prions4h 56m
19. Innate Immunity7h 15m
20. Adaptive Immunity7h 14m
21. Principles of Disease6h 57m

13. Photosynthesis

Pigments of Photosynthesis

Microbiology

13. Photosynthesis

Pigments of Photosynthesis

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Multiple Choice

The figure shows the absorption spectrum for chlorophyll a and the action spectrum for photosynthesis. Why are they different?

a) Green and yellow wavelengths of light inhibit the absorption of red and blue wavelengths.
b) Oxygen given off during photosynthesis interferes with the absorption of light.
c) Accessory pigments are absorbing light in addition to chlorophyll a which can be used in photosynthesis.
d) Aerobic bacteria take up oxygen, which changes the measurement of the rate of photosynthesis.

Green and yellow wavelengths of light inhibit the absorption of red and blue wavelengths.

Oxygen given off during photosynthesis interferes with the absorption of light.

Accessory pigments are absorbing light in addition to chlorophyll a which can be used in photosynthesis.

Aerobic bacteria take up oxygen, which changes the measurement of the rate of photosynthesis.

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Verified step by step guidance

Examine the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a, which shows peaks at specific wavelengths where chlorophyll a absorbs light most effectively, typically in the blue (around 430 nm) and red (around 680 nm) regions.

Observe the action spectrum for photosynthesis, which indicates the overall rate of photosynthesis at different wavelengths of light. This spectrum often shows a broader range of effective wavelengths compared to the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a alone.

Consider the role of accessory pigments, such as chlorophyll b, carotenoids, and xanthophylls, which absorb light at different wavelengths than chlorophyll a and transfer the energy to chlorophyll a, broadening the range of light that can drive photosynthesis.

Understand that the difference between the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a and the action spectrum for photosynthesis is due to the presence of these accessory pigments, which enhance the efficiency of photosynthesis by capturing additional light energy.

Conclude that the correct explanation for the difference between the two spectra is that accessory pigments are absorbing light in addition to chlorophyll a, which can be used in photosynthesis, making option c the correct answer.