Photosynthesis Lab Report

Photosynthesis is the process in which autotrophs use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. This conversion into chemical energy is associated with the action of the green pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll molecules located in the thylakoid membrane of the chloroplasts are arranged into complexes known as photosystems. Each photosystem contains the reaction center complex and is surrounded by light harvesting complexes. The light harvesting complexes are composed of pigment molecules such as chlorophyll a, b and accessory pigments that broaden the spectrum of light absorbed for photosynthesis (Campbell, pg. 194). When a photo is absorbed by these pigments, the energy is transferred from the multiple light harvest complexes much like sound waves through multiple antennas until it reaches the main station.

Choice A: Nucleus is incorrect. The nucleus is an
The primary acceptor is located within the reaction center complex and is the second step after energy hits the reaction center. Light pigment molecules pass the energy around until it reaches the reaction center complex. It is THEN that the primary acceptor accepts the electron (Erster chp 10).

Choice C: Reaction center is correct. As photosystem II absorbs photons and their electrons become excited, the energy is transferred from different pigment molecules until it reaches the reaction center (Campbell, pg. 194). It is in the reaction center that the electrons from chlorophyll are accepted by the primary electron acceptor (Erster chp 10). This primary electron acceptor drives an electron transport chain.

Choice D: Accessory pigment is incorrect. Accessory pigments are light absorbing compounds that allow more colors to be used for photosynthesis (Campbell pg. 192). By broadening the wave spectrum, accessory pigments allow autotrophs to maximize the amount of photosynthesis that can occur, therefore producing more