Analysis of the Absorption of Green Light Versus Red Light Absorption in Spinach Leaves

The purpose of the analysis of green light absorption and red light absorption in the spinach was to determine if green light had lower absorption capacity than red light in the spinach. This is accomplished by separating the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotene, and lutein) from each other using paper chromatography. The absorption spectrum of the separated pigment was then analyzed using a spectrometer. Plotting the data clearly shows that the green light absorbs more red light.

Green plant is green because it contains pigment called chlorophyll. Chlorophyll absorbs light of a specific wavelength in the visible spectrum. As detailed in the absorption spectra, chlorophyll absorbs light in the red (long wavelength) and blue (short wavelength) regions of the visible spectrum. The green light is reflected without being absorbed and the plant appears green. The absorption spectrum shows how different side chains in chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b result in slightly different absorption of visible light. Light with a wavelength of 460 nm is not significantly absorbed by chlorophyll a, but is trapped by chlorophyll b and chlorophyll b is strongly absorbed at this wavelength. Two chlorophylls of plants complement each other as they absorb sunlight. Plants can meet energy demand by absorbing light from the blue and red parts of the spectrum.

The purpose of the analysis of green light absorption and red light absorption in the spinach was to determine if green light had lower absorption capacity than red light in the spinach. This is accomplished by separating the photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, carotene, and lutein) from each other using paper chromatography. The absorption spectrum of the separated pigment was then analyzed using a spectrometer. - (UCSB ScienceLine) The problem at this point is which wavelength each pigment absorbs. Using an absorption spectrum that shows the relationship between the light absorption of the pigment and the wavelength can give a good conclusion.

Light can also be absorbed by pigments. Different pigments absorb light of different wavelengths. Since chlorophyll absorbs light of all other wavelengths and reflects green light, the plant leaves are green. In the absorption spectrum, you can see that red and violet light is most absorbed and green light is best reflected. This research will focus on the wavelength of visible light, the color of light, and the best photosynthetic rate. It can be safely assumed that it must have the lowest photosynthetic rate, as it is reflected by plant leaves and red / purple has the highest photosynthetic rate.