Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 3: Cellular Energetics/Question
AP Biologyeasymcq1 pt

A leaf looks green in sunlight. Which statement about its photosynthetic pigments explains that color?

A.They destroy green photons on contact while converting red and blue photons into stored heat
B.They absorb red and blue wavelengths strongly while reflecting and transmitting green wavelengths to the observer
C.They emit green fluorescence strong enough to color the entire leaf surface
D.They reflect all visible wavelengths equally, which always produces the sensation of green

Explanation

Core Concept

Chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b absorb photons most efficiently at the blue and red ends of the visible spectrum. Green wavelengths are largely not absorbed, so they bounce off the leaf or pass through it and reach an observer's eye. That reflected and transmitted green light is what we perceive as leaf color, and it represents energy the pigments never captured.

Correct Answer

BThey absorb red and blue wavelengths strongly while reflecting and transmitting green wavelengths to the observer

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