One reason the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a is not identical to the action spectrum of photosynthesis is that
A) accessory pigments also absorb energy to drive photosynthesis.
B) chlorophyll a absorbs both red light and blue light.
C) chlorophyll a reflects green light.
D) different wavelengths of light have different energies.
E) chlorophyll a can be activated by absorbing a photon of light.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Accessory pigments such as chlorophyll b and carotenoids also absorb light energy to drive photosynthesis. Therefore, the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a alone does not represent the full range of wavelengths that can contribute to photosynthesis, resulting in a difference between the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll a and the action spectrum of photosynthesis.

One Reason the Absorption Spectrum of Chlorophyll a Is Not