5.6 Photosynthetic pigments

Question 1

what is meant by an aborbtion spectra

Answer 1

how much light is absorbed at different wavelengths

Question 2

what is an action spectrum

Answer 2

how much photosyntehsis there is when a plant is subjected to different wavelengths of light

Question 3

what are photosynthetic pigments?

Answer 3

they are molcules in chloroplasts that absorb light energy (photons) of specific wavelenths to power pPhotosynthesis.

Question 4

where are photosynthetic pigments found?

Answer 4

thylakoid membrane inside chloroplasts

Question 5

why do plants have multiple pigments?

Answer 5

each pigment absorbs different wavelengths of light
this broadens the range of light energy the plant can use

Question 6

what is the role of chlorophyll a

and what kind of light does it absorb

Answer 6

primary pigment (essential for photosynthesis)

blue/violet and red

Question 7

what is a photosystem?

Answer 7

it is a protein-pigment complex embedded in the thylakoid membrane that captures energy and converts it into chemical energy by exciting electrons

Question 8

what are the two photosystems in photosynthesis ?

Answer 8

• PSII (PS680)
• PSI (PS700)