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3.5 explain how the role of pigments, other than chlorophyll, in photosynthesis was inferred
explain how the role of pigments, other than chlorophyll, in photosynthesis was inferred
- The action spectrum of photosynthesis does not match that determined by Englemann for chlorophyll. It shows more activity in the areas where chlorophyll reflects light, the wavelengths corresponding to green , yellow and orange light. Other pigments, such as the yellow and orange carotenoids and the phycobilins, absorb light in these other wavelengths and pass the energy on to chlorophyll. These accessory pigments allow the plant to absorb a broader range of wavelengths than chlorophyll alone and explain why the action spectrum of chlorophyll and photosynthesis do not match exactly.