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 shows the wavelengths of light that chlorophyll a is capable of absorbing. However, the action spectrum for photosynthesis takes into account the wavelengths of light that are most effective in driving photosynthesis, which can include other pigments in addition to chlorophyll a. Therefore, the two spectra are different because the action spectrum takes into account the contributions of other pigments to photosynthesis.

Use the Following Figure to Answer the Question