Photosynthesis

AP Biology· difficulty 3/5

Photosynthetic O2 production was measured in algae illuminated by single-wavelength light at 400, 500, 600, and 670 nm at equal photon flux.

Wavelength (nm) O2 produced 400 500 600 670

The action spectrum suggests that:

  • A

    Wavelength has no effect.

  • B

    Blue (400 nm) and red (670 nm) wavelengths drive photosynthesis most efficiently, matching chlorophyll absorption.

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  • C

    Green light is most effective.

  • D

    Photosynthesis is more efficient at 500 nm than 670 nm.

Explanation

The action spectrum closely follows chlorophyll's absorption: blue and red are absorbed and drive photosynthesis; green is poorly absorbed and supports little O2 evolution.

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