Photosynthesis

AP Biology· difficulty 2/5

A spectrophotometer measured the absorption of pure chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b across 400-700 nm.

Wavelength (nm) Absorption Chl a Chl b 400 550 700

What does the dip near 550 nm (green) indicate about chlorophyll a and b?

  • A

    Chlorophyll absorbs green most strongly, which drives the Calvin cycle

  • B

    Green wavelengths damage chlorophyll molecules

  • C

    Green light has the most energy for splitting water

  • D

    Green light is reflected/transmitted, not efficiently absorbed for photosynthesis

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Explanation

Chlorophylls absorb red and blue light most strongly and reflect/transmit green wavelengths, which is why leaves appear green.

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