-
Emerson’s enhancement effect and Red drop have been instrumental in the discovery of
-
- photophosphorylation and non-cyclic electron transport
- two photosystems operating simultaneously
- photophosphorylation and cyclic electron transport
- oxidative phosphorylation
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.