photosynthetic pigments

• where are photosynthetic pigments found in the chloroplasts


  within the thylakoid membrane
• what happens to the different wavelengths of light energy hitting the leaf


  most of them will be converted into chemical energy
• what are the two main types of photosynthetic pigments found in flowering plants


  primary and accessory pigments
• what is an example of a primary pigment


  chlorophyll a
• what coloured wavelengths are absorbed by chlorophyll a


  blue and red
• what are the two accessory pigments


  chlorophyll b and carotenoids
• what coloured wavelengths are absorbed by chlorophyll b


  blue and red
• what are two examples of carotenoids


  xanthophyll and carotene
• what coloured wavelengths are absorbed by carotenoids


  violet/blue light
• why are accessory pigments important in photosynthesis


  it allows a wider range of light wavelengths to be absorbed and therefore allows more efficient rate of photosynthesis
• which macronutrient is needed for the production of chlorophyll a


  magnesium