BIOL 218 - Lab 07 - Endosymbiosis and Photosynthetic Pigments

These flashcards cover key concepts and details from the lab on endosymbiosis and photosynthetic pigments.

What is the purpose of thin layer chromatography (TLC)?

To separate extracted photosynthetic pigments.

What evidence supports that chloroplasts evolved from endosymbiotic cyanobacteria?

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

What are the two important roles of cyanobacteria?

They contributed to the rise of oxygen in the atmosphere and were instrumental in the evolution of photosynthesizing eukaryotes.

What is the difference between primary and secondary symbiosis?

Primary symbiosis involves a non-photosynthesizing protist engulfing a cyanobacterium, while secondary symbiosis involves a protist engulfing a smaller photosynthetic eukaryote.

Which photosynthetic pigments are retained by red algae?

Phycocyanin and phycoerythrin.

How do different photosynthetic pigments of algae relate to their habitats?

Red algae have pigments that help absorb light at greater depths, while green algae evolved additional chlorophyll for efficient light absorption at the surface.

Which organisms evolved into brown and golden algae?

A non-photosynthesizing protist engulfed a small red algae.

What are the three broad classes of photosynthetic pigments?

Chlorophylls, carotenoids, and phycobilins.

Why do green algae contain chlorophyll b?

To more efficiently absorb light energy near the water surface.

What common mistakes should be avoided when conducting TLC?

Do not put extracts on the shiny side, touch the absorbent side, or place the TLC strip at an angle in the solvent.