Photosynthetic Pigments of Marine Macroalgae

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms and concepts related to the photosynthetic pigments of marine macroalgae, including specific pigments, absorption of light, and classifications of algae.

Photosynthesis

The process by which organisms use sunlight to synthesize foods with the help of pigments.

Chlorophyll a

The predominant pigment used in photosynthesis, important for carbon fixation.

Accessory pigments

Pigments that expand the absorption spectrum of light, allowing for deeper growth of certain algae.

Rhodophytes

Red seaweeds that get their color from the accessory pigment phycoerythrin.

Ochrophyta

Brown algae that contain chlorophyll and the secondary pigment fucoxanthin.

Chlorophytes

Green algae due to the presence of chlorophyll and absence of accessory pigments.

Absorption Spectrum

The range of light wavelengths absorbed by a pigment.

Wavelength (nm)

A measurement of light used to describe the color; different colors have different wavelengths.

Ultraviolet (UV) light

Light with a wavelength of approximately 310 nm, absorbed at a depth of 31 meters.

Violet light

Light with a wavelength of approximately 400 nm, absorbed at a depth of 107 meters.

Blue light

Light with a wavelength of approximately 475 nm, absorbed at a depth of 254 meters.

Green light

Light with a wavelength of approximately 525 nm, absorbed at a depth of 113 meters.

Red light

Light with a wavelength of approximately 725 nm, absorbed at a shallow depth of 4 meters.

Infrared (IR) light

Light with a wavelength of approximately 800 nm, absorbed at a depth of 3 meters.

Photosynthetic efficiency

The effectiveness of pigments in capturing sunlight to facilitate photosynthesis.