If you were to illuminate an Elodea leaf with light at 550 n

If you were to illuminate an Elodea leaf with light at 550 nm, would you expect CO2 consumption by the leaf? Why?

Solution

Answer:

CO2 consumption by the Elodea leaf depends on the rate of photosynthesis. The light at 550nm corresponds to green light which is not favourable for photosynthesis. The chlorophyll pigment reflects green light and absorbs other wavelengths of light between 400-700nm for photosynthesis. Se we expect less consumption of CO2 at 550nm