5.6.3 Photosynthetic pigments

Question 1

What do the photosynthetic pigments within the thylakoids do?

Answer 1

The absorb different wavelenghts of light

Question 2

What are the two types of pigments (pigment groups)

Answer 2

Chlorophylls and carotenoids

Question 3

What are accessory pigments?

Answer 3

Accessory pigments surround the primary pigment which absorb both similar and different wavelengths of light to chlorophyll. This expands the wavelength range that can be absorbed from light for use in photosynthesis

Question 4

What are the two chlorophyll pigments and what are their colours?

Answer 4

Chlorophyll a = blue-green
Chlorophyll b = yellow-green

Question 5

What are the two carotenoids pigments and what are their colours?

Answer 5

B carotene = orange
Xanthophyll = yellow

Question 6

What wavelengths do chlorophylls absorb?

Answer 6

Wavelengths in the blue-violet and red regions of the light spectrum

Question 7

What wavelengths do carotenoids absorb?

Answer 7

Wavelengths of light mainly in the blue-violet region of the spectrum

Question 8

What are the two different photosystems

Answer 8

Photosystem 1/PSI (P700) and photosystem 2/PSII (P680)

Question 9

What is the maximum absorption of light in photosystem 1

Answer 9

The chlorophyll a in this system has a maximum absorption of light at 700nm

Question 10

What is the maximum absorption of light in photosystem 2

Answer 10

The chlorophyll a in this system has a maximum absorption of light at 680nm