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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the absorption of photons by pigment molecules is true?
A
When a pigment molecule absorbs a photon, one of its electrons is raised to a higher energy level.
B
Absorption of a photon by a pigment molecule always results in the emission of heat only.
C
Pigment molecules can absorb photons of any wavelength equally well.
D
Pigment molecules are only found in the stroma of chloroplasts.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of pigment molecules and their role in photosynthesis. Pigment molecules, such as chlorophyll, are specialized molecules that absorb light energy (photons) to drive the process of photosynthesis.
Step 2: Recall the process of photon absorption. When a pigment molecule absorbs a photon, the energy from the photon excites one of the molecule's electrons, raising it to a higher energy level. This is a fundamental principle of light absorption in photosynthesis.
Step 3: Evaluate the first statement: 'When a pigment molecule absorbs a photon, one of its electrons is raised to a higher energy level.' This statement aligns with the concept of photon absorption and electron excitation, making it scientifically accurate.
Step 4: Analyze the second statement: 'Absorption of a photon by a pigment molecule always results in the emission of heat only.' This is incorrect because the absorbed energy can be used for various processes, such as driving chemical reactions in photosynthesis, not just heat emission.
Step 5: Examine the third and fourth statements: 'Pigment molecules can absorb photons of any wavelength equally well' and 'Pigment molecules are only found in the stroma of chloroplasts.' Both are incorrect because pigment molecules absorb specific wavelengths of light (e.g., chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light most effectively) and are located in the thylakoid membranes of chloroplasts, not just the stroma.