Photosynthesis

AP Biology· difficulty 2/5

A spectrophotometer recorded the absorbance of a chlorophyll a extract across visible wavelengths. The graph below shows the absorption spectrum.

Wavelength (nm) Absorbance 425 550 670

Which wavelengths are reflected (not absorbed) by chlorophyll a, giving plants their color?

  • A

    Around 670 nm (red)

  • B

    Around 550 nm (green)

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  • C

    Around 425 nm (blue-violet)

  • D

    Both 425 and 670 nm

Explanation

Chlorophyll a absorbs strongly in blue (<del>425) and red (</del>670) and absorbs least at green wavelengths (~550), which are reflected and reach our eyes.

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