photosynthetic pigments

where does the light dependent reaction of photosynthesis occur and how is it adapted to do so?

thylakoid membrane - has photosynthetic pigments and carrier proteins

where does the light independent reaction take place and how is it adapted to do so?

stroma - contains enzymes for the LIR

name the 2 types of chlorophyll in photosynthesis - what light do they reflect/absorb?

reflect green light and absorb red light:

• chlorophyll a

• chlorophyll b

give the primary pigment in photosynthesis:

chlorophyll a

what are accessory pigments? give their function:

• pigments which absorb wavelengths of light that are not easily absorbed by chlorophyll i.e. more wavelengths absorbed

• not directly involved in LDR

• channel more captured light energy to chlorophyll so more e^- can be excited

give 3 examples of accessory pigments:

• chlorophyll b

(category of carotenoids - reflect orange/yellow light and absorb blue light):

• carotene

• xanthophyll

what is the reaction centre?

chlorophyll (primary pigment) surrounded by a range of other proteins

what is the light harvesting system?

• reaction centre is surrounded by accessory pigments and proteins

• these accessory pigments and proteins = light harvesting system

what is a photosystem?

the reaction centre and light harvesting system (i.e. chlorophyll a and proteins surrounded by accessory pigments and proteins)

give the 2 photosystems present in photosynthesis and the wavelengths of light they absorb:

• photosystem II - 700 nm (chlorophyll p700)

• photosystem I - 680 nm (chlorophyll p680)