Endosymbiosis and Photosynthetic Pigments

These flashcards cover essential concepts related to endosymbiosis, photosynthetic pigments, and laboratory techniques based on the lecture notes.

What are the learning outcomes of Lab 07 on Endosymbiosis and Photosynthetic Pigments?

Students will extract and analyze photosynthetic pigments from various algal phyla and flowering plants, understand TLC, and interpret results.

What is Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC)?

A method used to separate extracted pigments based on their polarity and chemical properties.

What organism is considered the earliest photosynthesizing organism?

Cyanobacterium, which evolved about 3.5 billion years ago.

How did cyanobacteria influence Earth's atmosphere?

They significantly increased the concentration of oxygen around 2.5 billion years ago.

What is primary endosymbiosis?

The process where a non-photosynthesizing protist engulfs a cyanobacterium, leading to the evolution of photosynthesizing eukaryotes.

What are chloroplasts considered to have evolved from?

From endosymbiotic cyanobacteria.

What key evidence supports the endosymbiotic theory regarding chloroplasts?

Chloroplasts have their own circular DNA, ribosomes, and a membrane similar to cyanobacteria.

What pigments are retained by red algae, and why are they important?

Phycocyanin and phycoerythrin which allow them to absorb light at greater water depths.

What is secondary endosymbiosis?

When a non-photosynthesizing protist engulfs a small red algae, leading to the evolution of brown and golden algae.

What pigments do brown and golden algae contain?

Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c, and fucoxanthin.

Describe the role of chlorophyll a in photosynthesis.

Chlorophyll a is the primary pigment that absorbs light and is found in all photosynthetic organisms.

How does habitat influence the types of photosynthetic pigments found in algae?

Different habitats necessitate different pigments to optimize light absorption based on depth and water conditions.

What three classes of photosynthetic pigments are there?

Chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobilins.

What is the significance of TLC patterns in pigment analysis?

They allow for interpretation of ecological and evolutionary relationships among organisms.

Why is timing important in the TLC process?

To create distinct pigment bands before they become less visible over time.

What is the biodiversity in terms of phyla studied in the lab?

Red algae (Rhodophyta), brown algae (Phaeophyta), green algae (Chlorophyta), cyanobacteria, and flowering plants (Anthophyta).