Question

When a filament of algae is illuminated with light that is passed through a prism, different segments of algae are exposed to different wavelengths of light. When aerobic bacteria are present, they congregate in highest concentrations in the areas illuminated by the red and blue light. These data suggest a relationship between which of the following variables?

a) Wavelength of light and rate of aerobic respiration
b) Wavelength of light and amt of heat released
c) Wavelength of light and the rate of photosynthesis
d) Carbon dioxide concentration and the rate of photosynthesis

Answer 1

The correct answer is C) wavelength of light and rate of photosynthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The given question is a famous experiment conducted by T W Engelmann which is called the action spectrum experiment. In this experiment when light passes through a prism it splits into its constituent colors splits into violet, indigo, blue, green, yellow, orange and red.

Aerobic bacteria require oxygen for their survival. The green algae produce oxygen during photosynthesis. Engelmann released aerobic bacteria to it. it is found that the bacteria accumulated at the blue and red light because photosynthesis and oxygen release were higher there. So, it establishes the relationship between the wavelength of light and photosynthesis.