Question

Difference between chlorophyll a and b light absorption:

A) Chlorophyll a absorbs blue and red light; chlorophyll b absorbs green light
B) Chlorophyll a absorbs green and blue light; chlorophyll b absorbs red light
C) Chlorophyll a absorbs red and green light; chlorophyll b absorbs blue light
D) Chlorophyll a and b have identical light absorption profiles

Answer 1

Chlorophyll a absorbs blue and red light, and chlorophyll b absorbs blue and red-orange light; both reflect green light, which is why plants appear green.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b in terms of light absorption is significant in their roles in photosynthesis. Option A) is correct: chlorophyll a absorbs blue and red light, while chlorophyll b helps extend the range of light that can be used in photosynthesis by absorbing different wavelengths, specifically blue and red-orange light. Neither pigment absorbs green light; rather, they both reflect it, which is why plants appear green.