Explore how antenna pigments in thylakoid photosystems absorb light and transfer energy to reaction-centre chlorophyll, linking photosystem structure to function in IB Biology HL C1.3.9.
In water, shorter wavelengths of light such as blue and green penetrate deepest, and longer wavelengths of light penetrate less far. Red light does not reach depths of more than 50 m . Marine algae live at various water depths. Certain species of algae contain the pigments that enable them to adapt to life at different depths.
The graphs show the absorption and action spectra for two species of algae: Ulva taeniata, which is green, and Porphyra nereocystis, which is red.
Absorption / %
Outline the structure and location of photosystems.