Photosynthesis


  1. Emerson’s enhancement effect and Red drop have been instrumental in the discovery of









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    Wavelengths beyond 700nm are apparently of insufficient energy to drive any part of photosynthesis. So a huge drop in efficiency has been noticed at 700nm. This phenomenon is called as “Red drop effect”. In other words there is a sharp decrease in quantum yield at wavelengths greater than 680nm. The number of oxygen molecules released per light quanta absorbed is called as quantum yield of photosynthesis. This effect was first of all noticed by Robert Emerson. Later on Emerson and his group observed that if chlorella plants are given the inefficient far red light and red light of shorter wavelengths in alternate fashion, the quantum yields were greater than could be expected from adding the rates found when either color was provided alone. This synergistic effect or enhancement is known as EEE or “Emerson Enhancement Effect”. This was the first good evidence that there are two photo systems; one absorbs far red light and other red light and both of them must operate to drive photosynthesis most effectively.

    Correct Option: B

    Wavelengths beyond 700nm are apparently of insufficient energy to drive any part of photosynthesis. So a huge drop in efficiency has been noticed at 700nm. This phenomenon is called as “Red drop effect”. In other words there is a sharp decrease in quantum yield at wavelengths greater than 680nm. The number of oxygen molecules released per light quanta absorbed is called as quantum yield of photosynthesis. This effect was first of all noticed by Robert Emerson. Later on Emerson and his group observed that if chlorella plants are given the inefficient far red light and red light of shorter wavelengths in alternate fashion, the quantum yields were greater than could be expected from adding the rates found when either color was provided alone. This synergistic effect or enhancement is known as EEE or “Emerson Enhancement Effect”. This was the first good evidence that there are two photo systems; one absorbs far red light and other red light and both of them must operate to drive photosynthesis most effectively.


  1. The size of chlorophyll molecule is









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    Chlorophyll has a tetrapyrrole porphyrin ring as head (15 × 15Å) and a long hydrocarbon tail called phytol (20 Å) tail attached to the ring structure.

    Correct Option: C

    Chlorophyll has a tetrapyrrole porphyrin ring as head (15 × 15Å) and a long hydrocarbon tail called phytol (20 Å) tail attached to the ring structure.



  1. A very efficient converter of solar energy with net productivity of 2-4 kg/m2 or more is the crop of









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    C4 cycle occurs in C4 plants like sugarcane, maize. C4 cycle provides a more efficient way of CO2 fixation than C3 cycle and hence gives more productivity. The rest are C3 plants.

    Correct Option: B

    C4 cycle occurs in C4 plants like sugarcane, maize. C4 cycle provides a more efficient way of CO2 fixation than C3 cycle and hence gives more productivity. The rest are C3 plants.


  1. Photosynthetic pigments found in the chloroplasts occur in









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    Photosynthetic pigments occur on photosynthetic thylakoids of chloroplasts. A stack of thylakoids is called granum.

    Correct Option: A

    Photosynthetic pigments occur on photosynthetic thylakoids of chloroplasts. A stack of thylakoids is called granum.



  1. Chlorophyll a occurs in









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    Chlorophyll a is found in all photosynthetic plants except bacteria. Hence, it is termed as universal photosynthetic pigment.

    Correct Option: C

    Chlorophyll a is found in all photosynthetic plants except bacteria. Hence, it is termed as universal photosynthetic pigment.