Question

A scientist uses a prism to shine a rainbow at a filament of green photosynthetic algae. Bacteria in the environment of the algae cluster toward areas where the algae release the most oxygen.

What conclusion can be drawn from the pattern of clustering bacteria?
a) Red light is brightest.
b) Algae most efficiently photosynthesize blue light.
c) Algae most efficiently photosynthesize red light.
d) Algae most efficiently photosynthesize green light.

Answer 1

The bacteria clustering where green photosynthetic algae release the most oxygen indicate that red light is being photosynthesized most efficiently, asC) algae's chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light but reflects green.

Step-by-step explanation:

The pattern of clustering bacteria around areas where green photosynthetic algae release the most oxygen suggests that these areas are where the most effective photosynthesis is occurring. Bacteria move towards oxygen-rich regions as a product of the photosynthesis in algae. Considering that algae contain chlorophyll, which absorbs light primarily in the blue and red wavelengths and reflects green light, it is logical to deduce that the light which is being photosynthesized most effectively is not green.

Therefore, the correct answer is (c) Algae most efficiently photosynthesize red light.

This is in line with the known fact that red light penetrates deeper in the water column and some phototrophic organisms have pigments like phycobiliproteins that are adapted to utilize red light.