The graph below represents the percent of light absorbed (and also reflected) by

Question

The graph below represents the percent of light absorbed (and also reflected) by two green pigments, chlorophyll a and chiorophyll b. The shaded bar below the graph indicates the relative wavelengths we see as colors. For purposes of this exercise only, draw a horizontal line from left to right at the 10% level. This line will represent the-boundary between wavelengths that are mostly absorbed (parts of the graph above the line) and those wavelengths that are mostly reflected (parts of the graph below the line). Use the graph to base your answers to the following questions: 1. What ranges of wavelengths are "most" absorbed by chlorophyll a? 2. What ranges of wavelengths are "most' absorbed by chlorophyll b? 3. What ranges of wavelengths are "least absorbed by chlorophyll a? 4. What ranges of wavelengths are "least absorbed by chlorophyll b? (2 pts.) (2 pts.) (2 pts.) (2 pts.) 5. Based upon the wavelengths of light being absorbed and reflected, why do green plants appear to be green? 6. A carotenoid is any reddish, yellowish, or orange pigment in the leaves of plants These carotenoids absorb wavelengths of light somewhat differently than chlorophyll, but are similar in absorbing most of the shorter wavelengths of light (around 400 to 500 nanometers on the graph). To check your reading of the graph, would you expect these carotenoids to be effective photosynthesizers ( absorbers) using wavelengths of about 550 to 600 nanometers? (1 pt.) Regarding your answer to #6 above, why or why not? (1 pt.) 85 80 70 60 50 Chlorophyll a 30 20- 10- Chlorophyll b 400 450 500 550 Wavelength (nm) 600 650 700 ellow Orange Absorption spectra

Explanation / Answer

1. red and violet

2. red and blue-violet

3. green light

4. green light

5. plants appear green to us because they contain many chlorophyll a and b molecules, which reflect green light.

Chlorophyll, the green pigment common to all photosynthetic cells, absorbs all wavelengths of visible light except green, which it reflects. so looks green.

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