The light-dependent reactions. In 1883, Thomas Engelmann devised an experiment to learn which wavelengths (colors) of light were the most effective in carrying out photosynthesis in the green alga Spirogyra. List mechanism for measuring the rate of photosynthesis​ Go to Internal Assessment In other words, it is the part of the light spectrum that does the work. In 1883, Thomas Engelmann devised an experiment to learn which wavelengths (colors) of light were the most effective in carrying out photosynthesis in the green alga Spirogyra. Photosynthetic pigments absorb light only in the visible region of the spectrum (390nm-760nm).The action spectrum peak of chlorophyll is almost same as that of absorption spectrum indicating that chlorophyll is the primary pigment in photosynthesis. By the middle of 19th century, it is discovered that plants use light energy to make carbohydrates from CO2 & H2O. The action spectrum of photosynthesis shows a high light absorption for violet/blue and orange/red and low absorption for green/yellow. He used a modified microscope equipped with a prism in order to produce the visible light spectrum on a microscope slide. It was a first described action spectrum of photosynthesis. The graphic representation of this is known as an action spectrum. The action spectrum of photosynthesis shows a high light absorption for violet/blue and orange/red and a low a low absorption for green/yellow. Illuminated algae with light of different wavelengths, measured which section of algae released the most O2, used aerobic bacteria- They congregated where most O2 was. Describe Engelmann's experiment and explain its results. Biology is brought to you with support from the. Photosynthesis: Overview of the light-dependent reactions. Concept 3: The Action Spectrum for Photosynthesis. Make your Own Action Spectrum of Elodea Pondweed Rates of Photosynthesis of a plant in different colours of light. All Rights Reserved. What will its photosynthesis or action spectrum look like? Copyright © Pearson Education, Inc. or its affiliates. It accepted electrons. Concept 3: Movement of Molecules in Solution, Concept 4: Movement of Molecules and Cells, Concept 5: Types of Solutions Based on Solute Concentration, Concept 8: Factors that Affect Water Potential, Exercise 3: Water Potential and Potato Cores, Concept 4: Some Factors that Affect Enzyme Action, Concept 6: Temperature and Enzyme Function, Closer Look: Nuclear Division (Karyokinesis), Closer Look: Cytoplasmic Division (Cytokinesis), Exercise 1: Identifying the Phases of Mitosis, Exercise 2: Observing Mitosis in a Living Cell, Exercise 1: Possible Arrangements of Ascospores, Concept 1: Using DPIP as an Electron Acceptor, Closer Look: Respiration at the Cellular Level, Exercise 1: Features and Functions of a Respirometer, Exercise 5: More Information on Germinating Peas, Exercise 6: Measuring the Rate of Respiration, Exercise 2: Transformation Procedure Animation, Exercise 3: Place the Stages of Transformation in Order. 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