Question

A plant with unique photosynthetic pigments has leaves that appear reddish yellow. Which wavelengths of visible light are most effectively absorbed by this pigment? a. Blue and green wavelengths b. Red and orange wavelengths c. Yellow and green wavelengths d. Blue and red wavelengths

Answer 1

The reddish-yellow plant is reflecting red and yellow colors, indicating it absorbs mainly blue and green wavelengths. This absorption is due to its photosynthetic pigments.

Step-by-step explanation:

The color that we see when we look at a plant is determined by the wavelengths of light that are reflected by the plant's photosynthetic pigments. In this case, the leaves appear reddish-yellow because those colors are being reflected, not absorbed. Therefore, the pigments of the plant are absorbing wavelengths corresponding to other colors, particularly blue and green wavelengths. The photosynthetic pigments in plants, such as chlorophyll, usually absorb light from the blue and red end of the spectrum and reflect green light, which explains why most plants appear green.

Learn more about Photosynthetic Pigments