Question

The PSII reaction center, also known as P680, _____________.

(1) absorbs light most strongly at 680 nm
(2) reflects light most strongly at 680 nm
(3) absorbs light most weakly at 680 nm
(4) reflects light most strongly at 700 nm
(5) absorbs light most strongly at 700 nm

Answer 1

The PSII reaction center, known as P680, primarily absorbs light at a wavelength of 680 nm, and this absorption is essential for initiating the photoact where the energy from light is converted into chemical energy.

Step-by-step explanation:

The PSII reaction center, also known as P680, absorbs light most strongly at 680 nm. This means that the correct answer to the question is option (1). P680 can undergo oxidation upon excitation and can give up an electron in a process known as a photoact. It is this step in the reaction center, during photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into an electrical energy via an excited electron. This electron, once excited, moves through a series of proteins and ultimately contributes to the formation of NADPH, which is further used in the Calvin cycle to synthesize glucose.