The wavelength of light absorbed by $P_r$ form of phytochrome is
A
680 nm
B
720 nm
C
620 nm
D
640 nm
The answer is A.
Solution
Phytochrome is the pigment that controls photoperiodic responses in plants. It exists in two interconvertible forms, $P_r$ and $P_{fr}$. The $P_r$ form absorbs red light between 660 and 680 nm, with a peak at about 666 nm. It is the form synthesised in dark-grown seedlings. When $P_r$ absorbs red light, it is converted into the $P_{fr}$ form. The $P_{fr}$ form absorbs far-red light of about 730 nm and is converted back into $P_r$; it also reverts slowly in darkness. $P_{fr}$ is the physiologically active form. Among the given values, 680 nm lies in the red region absorbed by $P_r$, while 720 nm is in the far-red region absorbed by $P_{fr}$. So the wavelength absorbed by the $P_r$ form is 680 nm.
ConceptInterconversion of phytochrome forms
Plant Growth and Development in past papers
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