AP BIOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -’Chlorophyll a ’ is present in the chloroplasts. It is a chief pigment that exhibits a higher rate of photosynthesis. ‘Chlorophyll a’ shows maximum absorption at wavelengths 430-470 nm (blue region) and 660-670 nm (red region).

Detailed explanation-2: -Maximum absorption of light by chlorophyll a occurs in red and blue regions of the absorption spectrum. So that, the rate of photosynthesis is maximum in red and blue light of the visible spectrum.

Detailed explanation-3: -Within the visible spectrum, green leaves have the highest absorptance in the blue region, followed by red. Green light is least absorbed by green leaves, which gives leaves their green appearance (McCree, 1971; Zhen et al., 2019).

Detailed explanation-4: -Red and blue light is believed to have a higher quantum yield of CO2 assimilation. The blue and red parts of the spectrum are effective to satisfy the energy requirement of plants. Hence plants absorb these two colors more than any other color.

Detailed explanation-5: -Chlorophyll a is the most abundant pigment in plants. Chlorophyll a absorbs light mostly 430nm (blue) and 662nm (red) wavelength light. It reflects green light so it appears green to us. Chlorophyll b molecule has a similar structure to that of chlorophyll a.