Figure 8.1
-Figure 8.1 shows the absorption spectrum for chlorophyll a and the action spectrum for photosynthesis. Why are they different?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absorption spectrum for chlorophyll a shows the wavelengths of light that can be absorbed by this pigment. However, other pigments present in the plant, such as chlorophyll b and carotenoids, also absorb light at different wavelengths. Therefore, the action spectrum for photosynthesis, which measures the effectiveness of different wavelengths of light in promoting photosynthesis, takes into account the combined effects of all the pigments involved, and not just chlorophyll a. This results in a broader and sometimes shifted peak compared to the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a.

Figure 8.1 -Figure 8.1 Shows the Absorption Spectrum for Chlorophyll a and a and the Action