Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

9. Photosynthesis

Pigments of Photosynthesis

General Biology

9. Photosynthesis

Pigments of Photosynthesis

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3:01 minutes

Problem 1

Textbook Question

How is energy transferred among antenna pigment molecules?
a. By heat
b. By redox reactions
c. By fluorescence
d. By resonance

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of antenna pigment molecules: These molecules are part of the photosynthetic apparatus in plants and algae, responsible for capturing light energy.

Recognize the concept of resonance energy transfer: This is a process where energy is transferred from one molecule to another without the movement of electrons, typically occurring in photosynthetic systems.

Identify the mechanism of energy transfer: In photosynthesis, energy captured by antenna pigments is transferred to the reaction center through resonance energy transfer, allowing the energy to be used in chemical reactions.

Differentiate resonance from other forms of energy transfer: Unlike heat transfer, which involves thermal energy, or redox reactions, which involve electron transfer, resonance energy transfer involves the transfer of energy through electromagnetic interactions.

Conclude that resonance energy transfer is the correct mechanism: This process allows efficient energy transfer among antenna pigment molecules, facilitating the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Antenna Pigment Molecules

Antenna pigment molecules are part of the photosynthetic apparatus in plants and algae, responsible for capturing light energy. These pigments, such as chlorophylls and carotenoids, absorb photons and transfer the energy to the reaction center, initiating the process of photosynthesis. Their arrangement allows efficient energy transfer through resonance energy transfer.

Resonance Energy Transfer

Resonance energy transfer, also known as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), is a mechanism by which energy is transferred non-radiatively between molecules. In photosynthesis, this process occurs when an excited electron in one pigment molecule transfers its energy to a neighboring molecule without the emission of a photon, facilitating efficient energy movement within the antenna complex.

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. It involves capturing light energy through antenna pigments, transferring it to the reaction center, and using it to drive the synthesis of ATP and NADPH, which are then used to fix carbon dioxide into organic compounds.