For Phytoplankton

Question

For phytoplankton,
A) Light is captured by chlorophyll only in the infrared
B) The entire visible spectrum of wavelengths is captured by chlorophyll
C) A wide spectrum of visible light is captured by chlorophyll along with other light-harvesting pigments
D) Light penetrates to several thousand meters, allowing phytoplankton cells to live there

Accepted Answer

Phytoplankton use chlorophyll along with other pigments to capture a wide spectrum of visible light for photosynthesis, not just the wavelengths absorbed by chlorophyll alone. This allows them to efficiently use light energy in various aquatic environments. Light penetration in water is limited, usually not extending several thousand meters, making option D incorrect. Options A and B are also incorrect because chlorophyll primarily absorbs light in the blue and red parts of the spectrum, not the entire visible spectrum or just the infrared.