Chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a and carotene are all key pigments in the photorespiration process. a) Explain the role of pigments in the production of ATP [3], b) Explain the role of ATP in the cellular processes of plants [1], Why is it advantageous for pl

Q: Chlorophyll b, chlorophyll a and carotene are all key pigments in the photorespiration process. a) Explain the role of pigments in the production of ATP [3], b) Explain the role of ATP in the cellular processes of plants [1], Why is it advantageous for plants leaves to contain more than one pigment? [2]

a)

Light is absorbed by chromophore regions on the pigment molecules, contained within photosystems.

PSI + PSII are the light harvesting photosystems essential to photosynthesis.

Absorption of light at the photosystems excites electrons to a higher energy level

These excited electrons are released from chlorophyll a and used to drive a proton gradient, with the diffusion of H+ along this gradient generating ATP via ATP synthase.

b)

ATP is the energy currency that allows the plant cells to do work.

c)

Use of several pigments allows photons to be absorbed over a range of wavelengths

This increases the number of photons available for the light dependent stage, increasing product formation

This in turn increases the rate of photosynthesis.

Answered by Joseph M. Biology tutor

4162 Views

See similar Biology A Level tutors

Related Biology A Level answers

All answers ▸

How does a vaccine lead to the production of antibodies against a virus?


Quick study tips; how do I study successfully?


An extract of DNA contains 4000 base pairs. The extract is identified to contain 300 guanine bases. How many adenine bases can be found in the DNA extract?.


List three differences in the composition of tissue fluid at the arterial end of the capillaries to the tissue fluid at the venous end of the capillaries.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2024

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy