Question

Accessory pigments of ________ allow them to carry out photosynthesis at greater depths than other algae. a. euglenoids c. brown algae b. green algae d. red algae

Short answer

Accessory pigments of red algae allow them to photosynthesize at greater depths.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Accessory Pigments

Accessory pigments help algae absorb light at various wavelengths that chlorophyll might not efficiently capture. This allows algae to perform photosynthesis under different light conditions, such as at greater depths in water.

Identify Red Algae Pigments

Red algae contain accessory pigments called phycobiliproteins, which include phycocyanin and phycoerythrin. These pigments allow red algae to absorb blue and green light, which penetrate deeper into the ocean, enabling them to photosynthesize at greater depths.

Compare with Other Algae

Euglenoids, green algae, and brown algae do not have the same set of pigments that allow for efficient photosynthesis at great depths. Green algae primarily rely on chlorophyll, while brown algae have fucoxanthin but not the same phycobiliproteins as red algae.

Key concepts

Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a fascinating process where plants, algae, and some bacteria turn light into energy. This process is crucial because it converts sunlight into chemical energy stored as glucose, a sugar. It all starts with chlorophyll, the green pigment that captures sunlight. However, chlorophyll isn't the only pigment involved in photosynthesis. Other pigments help capture light that chlorophyll misses.

These pigments are important for all kinds of algae, as they often live underwater where sunlight is harder to reach. By harnessing different light wavelengths, algae ensure that they can produce energy even in less ideal light conditions. In deeper or murkier waters, this ability can make all the difference for survival.

Photosynthesis not only helps algae grow but also supports entire ecosystems. As algae photosynthesize, they release oxygen into the water, which is vital for marine life. Without photosynthesis, the oxygen supply and the food chain would be severely affected.

Accessory Pigments

Accessory pigments are like the sidekicks of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. While chlorophyll plays a starring role by capturing most of the sunlight, accessory pigments assist by absorbing different wavelengths of light. This makes the photosynthesis process more efficient.

Some of the common accessory pigments include:

• Carotenoids, which appear orange or yellow.
• Phycobilins, which can appear red or blue.

Accessory pigments are crucial in environments where light is less abundant or where the quality of light changes, like underwater. They capture light that penetrates to different depths, allowing photosynthesis to occur under a wide range of conditions. This adaptability is particularly important for algae living in aquatic environments, where light diminishes with depth.

Red Algae

Red algae are a unique group of algae that thrive in marine environments and are notable for their reddish color. This color comes from specific accessory pigments they possess. Unlike green algae, which primarily use chlorophyll, red algae benefit from pigments like phycoerythrin, which gives them their signature hue.

These pigments allow red algae to absorb blue and green light more effectively. Since these wavelengths penetrate water better than red light, red algae can perform photosynthesis even at significant depths where other algae might struggle. This gives them a competitive advantage in the sea.

Red algae are not only important for their survival; they also contribute significantly to marine biodiversity. They form essential habitats and act as a food source for various marine species. Their ability to photosynthesize efficiently in deep water is key to their ecological success.

Phycobiliproteins

Phycobiliproteins are a type of accessory pigment found in red algae. They play a vital role in capturing light energy needed for photosynthesis. There are several kinds of phycobiliproteins, including:

• Phycocyanin, which is blue.
• Phycoerythrin, which is red.

These pigments are part of the phycobilisome, a complex structure that efficiently transfers captured light energy to chlorophyll, allowing photosynthesis to occur more efficiently, especially in low-light conditions.

The presence of phycobiliproteins in red algae is a key reason they can photosynthesize at greater ocean depths. Blue and green light penetrates water well, and red algae capture these using their specialized pigments. This helps the algae make energy even in challenging environments. Phycobiliproteins are essential for the survival of red algae and play a significant role in the oceanic carbon cycle.