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During photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs and reflects energy from green-light waves, making the plant appear green. True or False?

Answer: False

Solution:

During photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs energy from blue- and red-light waves, and reflects green-light waves, making the plant appear green.

Enrich your learning:

About Photosynthesis:

  • During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) from the air and soil.
  • In the plant cell, water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while the carbon dioxide is reduced, meaning it gains electrons.
  • This converts the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into glucose.
  • The plant then releases the oxygen back into the air, and stores energy in the form of glucose molecules.

About Chlorophyll:

  • Chlorophyll is the light-absorbing pigment, within the thylakoidmembranes of the chloroplast.
    • Chloroplasts act as a site of the photosynthesis process in both plants and blue-green algae.
  • It is responsible for giving the plant its green color.
  • During photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs energy from blue- and red-light waves, and reflects green-light waves, making the plant appear green.

About Light-dependent Reactions vs. Light-independent Reactions:

  • Photosynthesis involves two main stages: light-dependent reactions and light-independent reactions.
  • The light-dependent reactions occur in the thylakoid membrane.
  • It relies on sunlight to convert it into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.
  • In contrast, the light-independent reactions, known as the Calvin cycle, take place in the stroma, not requiring light.
  • During this stage, ATP and NADPH are utilized to produce carbohydrates from carbon dioxide.

C3 and C4 Photosynthesis:

  • Photosynthesis comes in two main varieties: C3 and C4.
  • The most common type is C3 photosynthesis, found in most plants.
  • It generates a three-carbon compound, 3-phosphoglyceric acid, during the Calvin Cycle, ultimately forming glucose.
  • On the other hand, C4 photosynthesis produces a four-carbon intermediate compound, which later splits into carbon dioxide and a three-carbon compound during the Calvin Cycle.
  • C4 photosynthesis is advantageous in low light or arid conditions due to its ability to yield higher carbon levels.
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