Biology 1002B Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Chlorophyll, Photon, Conjugated System
11 Apr 2017
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Document Summary
Ranges from gamma rays (short wavelengths) to radio waves (long wavelengths: definition of light. Portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that humans can detect with their eyes (400-700nm) Serves 2 important functions for life: source of energy that directly or indirectly sustains all organisms, provides organisms with information about physical surroundings. Wave-particle duality: behaves as waves and particles (photons: relationship between wavelength and energy content of a photon. Inverse relationship long wavelength = lower energy of photon: definition of absorption of light. If not matched- it is transmitted/reflected: molecular characteristic of pigments that make them able to absorb light. Molecules efficient at absorbing photons: chlorophyll a photosynthesis; retinal vision, contain region where carbon atoms are covalently bonded with alternating single + double bonds. Known as a conjugated system results in delocalization of elections (interact w photons) Different chemical structures = distinct excited states available to its delocalized electrons.
