Biology 2e
2nd Edition
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Chapter8: Photosynthesis
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 15RQ: Plants containing only chlorophyll b are exposed to radiation with the following wavelengths: 10nm...
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Transcribed Image Text:### Photosynthetic Pigments: Structures and Functions
This image provides the chemical structures of key photosynthetic pigments: chlorophylls, carotene, and xanthophyll, which are essential for the process of photosynthesis in plants.
#### Chlorophyll
1. **Chlorophyll Structure:**
- **Porphyrin Ring:** The main structure is a porphyrin ring composed of four nitrogen-containing pyrrole rings interconnected by carbon bridges. This structure is crucial for absorbing light.
- **Magnesium Ion (Mg++):** At the center of the porphyrin ring, a magnesium ion coordinates with the nitrogen atoms, playing a critical role in light absorption.
- **Phytol Tail:** A long hydrophobic carbon chain called the phytol tail helps anchor the chlorophyll molecule in the photosynthetic membrane.
2. **Variations of Chlorophyll:**
- **Chlorophyll a:** Identified by a methyl group (CH₃) on the porphyrin ring.
- **Chlorophyll b:** Distinguished by an aldehyde group (CHO) replacing a CH₃ on the porphyrin ring.
#### Carotenoids
1. **Carotene:**
- Composed of a long carbon chain with alternating double bonds (conjugated system), which is essential for capturing light energy.
- Lacks oxygen atoms, making it a purely hydrocarbon structure.
2. **Xanthophyll:**
- Similar structure to carotene with a conjugated system, providing light-absorbing properties.
- Contains oxygen, typically in the form of hydroxyl (OH) groups, distinguishing it from carotene.
These pigments differ slightly in their structures, which affects their specific role in absorbing sunlight across different spectra, enhancing photosynthetic efficiency. Chlorophyll primarily absorbs blue and red wavelengths, while carotenoids expand the range of light absorbed by capturing blue-green to blue light.

Transcribed Image Text:**Why is one pigment more soluble than another? Consider Figure 4.5.**
The solubility of pigments can be influenced by several factors, including molecular structure, polarity, and interactions with solvents. Figure 4.5 likely illustrates these concepts through diagrams or data visualizations, showing how structural differences in pigments affect their solubility in various solvents.
For example, the figure may depict molecular structures, highlight regions of polarity, or compare solubility rates across different solvents. This can help in understanding why certain pigments dissolve more readily based on these attributes.
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