Use the following figure to answer the question.

The figure shows the absorption spectrum for chlorophyll a and the action spectrum for photosynthesis. Why are they different?
A) Green and yellow wavelengths inhibit the absorption of red and blue wavelengths.
B) Oxygen given off during photosynthesis interferes with the absorption of light.
C) Other pigments absorb light in addition to chlorophyll a.
D) Aerobic bacteria take up oxygen, which changes the measurement of the rate of photosynthesis.

Question

Use the following figure to answer the question.

The figure shows the absorption spectrum for chlorophyll a and the action spectrum for photosynthesis. Why are they different?
A) Green and yellow wavelengths inhibit the absorption of red and blue wavelengths. 
B) Oxygen given off during photosynthesis interferes with the absorption of light. 
C) Other pigments absorb light in addition to chlorophyll a. 
D) Aerobic bacteria take up oxygen, which changes the measurement of the rate of photosynthesis.

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The absorption spectrum for chlorophyll a only shows the wavelengths of light that are absorbed by chlorophyll a, but photosynthesis involves the use of other pigments as well, which have their own absorption spectra. Therefore, the action spectrum for photosynthesis includes the wavelengths of light absorbed by all pigments involved in the process, and not just chlorophyll a.

Use the Following Figure to Answer the Question