Refer to the figure, which shows the light absorption of a green alga and purple sulfur bacteria. Based on the figure, which statement about the organisms or their chlorophyll is true?
A) The chlorophyll found in purple sulfur bacteria absorbs light maximally at approximately 450 nm and 675 nm.
B) The chlorophyll found in purple sulfur bacteria absorbs light at the same wavelengths as that in the green alga.
C) Purple sulfur bacteria can absorb light at wavelengths not absorbed by green algae.
D) Maximum absorption of light in purple sulfur bacteria is the same as it is in green algae.
E) The chlorophyll found in the green alga absorbs light at approximately 375 nm and 875 nm.

Question

Refer to the figure, which shows the light absorption of a green alga and purple sulfur bacteria.  Based on the figure, which statement about the organisms or their chlorophyll is true?
A) The chlorophyll found in purple sulfur bacteria absorbs light maximally at approximately 450 nm and 675 nm. 
B) The chlorophyll found in purple sulfur bacteria absorbs light at the same wavelengths as that in the green alga. 
C) Purple sulfur bacteria can absorb light at wavelengths not absorbed by green algae. 
D) Maximum absorption of light in purple sulfur bacteria is the same as it is in green algae. 
E) The chlorophyll found in the green alga absorbs light at approximately 375 nm and 875 nm.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The figure shows that the purple sulfur bacteria can absorb light at wavelengths not absorbed by the green alga. Specifically, the purple sulfur bacteria have peaks of light absorption at around 875 nm and 925 nm, while the green alga does not absorb light at these wavelengths. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect since they either state that the absorption spectra of the two organisms are the same or make incorrect claims about the wavelengths of maximum absorption in each organism. Choice E is incorrect since the figure does not show any absorption peaks at 375 nm for the green alga.

Refer to the Figure, Which Shows the Light Absorption of a Green