-Electromagnetic waves (many different types)
-The only waves you can actually see are light
waves (from visible light)
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The colors that you see are actually waves of light.
Each color is a different wavelength of light energy
R, O, Y, G, B, V
Light can either be reflected, transmitted or absorbed
Color you see is the color reflected or transmitted
 Color/s you do not see are absorbed
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Pigments are light trapping molecules that
absorb light energy.
 In photosynthetic organisms, pigments are
important because they trap the sun’s energy to
help make glucose (food).
 Found in the thylakoid membrane of the
chloroplast .
 The primary pigment found in plants is
chlorophyll- green.
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 Reflects green and absorbs all other colors
 Why a plant is green!
The reactions of
photosynthesis take place in
the chloroplast. Here’s what
a chloroplast is like inside:
Light energy
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Pigments are found in photosystems – light
trapping units (PS II and PS I) on the thylakoid
membrane
Chlorophyll a is the
main pigment in
plants.
 Chlorophyll b,
xanthophyll and
carotenoids are
accessory pigments.
 What color/
wavelength does
chlorophyll a absorb
most? B?
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