Biology 9700 · AS & A Level · Photosynthesis as an energy transfer process

Photosynthesis as an energy transfer process — practice question

Red algae consist of multicellular protoctists that carry out photosynthesis and contain phycoerythrin. Phycoerythrin is a photosynthetic pigment.
(a(i))[1]

Using Fig. 4.1, give the wavelength at which phycoerythrin reaches maximum absorption.

(a(ii))[2]

Use the data in Fig. 4.1 to explain why phycoerythrin cannot be the only photosynthetic pigment in red algae.

(a(iii))[2]

Phycoerythrin is not the main pigment (reaction centre pigment) for photosynthesis in red algae. Suggest what role phycoerythrin plays in photosynthesis in red algae.

(b(i))[1]

State the name of a method that can be used to separate and identify photosynthetic pigments.

(b(ii))[3]

Explain how the results from this method would be used to show that phycoerythrin is present in red algae and absent from a plant with green leaves.

Worked solution & mark scheme

This 9-mark question has a full step-by-step worked solution and mark scheme. One marking point: The wavelength is $565\,\text{nm}$

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