The following points highlight the seven main types of photoreceptors of photosynthetic pigments. The photoreceptors are: 1. Phycobilins 2. Cryptochrome 3. UV-B Receptors 4. Flavonoids 5. Betacyanins 6. Chloroplasts 7. Carotenoid Pigments. Photoreceptor # 1. Phycobilins: These are present in red algae, cyanobacteria or even green plants and serve as accessory light- harvesting pigments. Four phycobilins are reported; three are [...]
The minimum number of molecules of pigment and other associated compounds which are capable of converting a quantum is known as photosynthetic unit. When the electron microscopy revealed quantasomes on the lamellae of the chloroplast, most of the scientists believed that they had discovered a photosynthetic unit. However, Anderson and Boardman (1966) first of all raised the question whether the [...]
Light is a form of radiant energy, a narrow band of energy within the continuous electromagnetic spectrum of radiation omitted by the sun. It is known since long that for photosynthesis energy is obtained from light. In actual practice light is a mixture of different colours and the electromagnetic spectrum comprises radiations of different wavelengths. The visible spectrum ranges from [...]