Question

what happens when a chlorophyll molecule absorbs a photon of light?
a. red and blue wavelengths are emitted
b. the plant releases co 2
c. it s disintegrates, giving off heat
d. its electrons are excited and move through the thylakoid membrane
e. it glows with a very bright green light

Explanation:

When a chlorophyll molecule absorbs a photon of light, its electrons are excited. Chlorophyll is involved in the light - dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Absorbing light energy (in the form of photons) causes electrons in the chlorophyll molecule to gain energy and move to a higher energy state (become excited).

• Option a: Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue wavelengths, but it does not emit them when a single photon is absorbed.
• Option b: Plants release \(CO_2\) during respiration, not as a direct result of a chlorophyll molecule absorbing a photon.
• Option c: Chlorophyll does not disintegrate when it absorbs a photon.
• Option e: Chlorophyll does not glow with a very bright green light when it absorbs a photon. Green light is reflected (which is why plants look green), not emitted in this context.

Answer:

d. its electrons are excited and move through the thylakoid membrane