WEEKLY LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEETS

General Biology 1, Grade 11, Quarter 2, Week 1

The Role of Plant Pigments in Photosynthesis

Name: ______________________________________________ Grade and Section: ____________________

Learning Competency:

Explain the importance of chlorophyll and other pigments (STEM_BIO11/12-IIa-j-3).

Specific Objectives:
1. Identify the pigments and the colors of light absorbed or reflected by the
photosynthetic pigments;
2. Explain the importance of chlorophyll and other pigments in photosynthesis; and
3. Extract chlorophyll from commonly and locally found leaves and produce home-made
chlorophyll powder.

Time Allotment: 4 Hours

Key Concepts

 Why are most plants green in color?

We noticed that most plants around us are green in color, but not all. Green plants are green
because they contain a coloring molecule called chlorophyll.

 What is chlorophyll?

Chlorophyll is the term that is used to describe

the plant pigment (coloring) that gives plants their
green color.

They are photosynthetic molecules that are

confined within the plant cell structure called
chloroplast. Because of chlorophyll plant cells are
able to trap light energy from the sun and convert
them into chemical energy – an energy that is in
useable form by plants and animals that eat them.
Figure 1. Plant cells with tiny round
chloroplasts as seen under a
compound light microscope.
Source: https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.
org/article/ scientists-say-chlorophyll

These green pigments – chlorophyll - absorb light energy and use them to synthesize carbon
dioxide and water to produce glucose and oxygen. The food molecules produced contain
chemical energy which is necessary for all cells to function. The process by which this event
occurs is called photosynthesis or the food making process by plants and other photosynthetic
organisms.

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 1
 What are other pigments found in plants?

If you take a look and observe plants around, you

will notice that they vary in colors.

As mentioned earlier, most plants are green

because of the presence of a primary pigment called
chlorophyll (Audesirk, 2003). However, plants also
contain an assortment of hues in them. For example:
carotenoids – they give plants their red, orange or
yellow colors and absorb blue – green light. Another
example is the xanthophyll which absorbs blue –
violet light and reflects brown or yellow light These
Figure 2. Diverse plant leaves in different
other coloring molecules are called accessory shades indicating variety of colors.
pigments. And just like chlorophyll, they also play an Photo Source: https://selectivegardener.com/2-IN-
important role in photosynthesis (Campbell, 2003). Mini-Green-Plants-Set-of-4-p546.html

The table below is an overview of the main and accessory photosynthetic pigments in plants
and other organisms, like algae and bacteria, which aid in food production. It also includes the
lights they absorb and reflect.

Table 1. Photosynthetic Pigments in Plants and Other Phototrophic Organisms

Photosynthetic Pigments Light Absorbed and Reflected Found in

Absorbs blue-violet and red lights;

Chlorophyll a all plants
Reflects green light
Principal
Pigments Absorbs the lights in the infrared
phototrophic
Bacteriochlorophyll region (red light to violet);
bacteria
Reflects reddish - purple lights
Absorbs blue and orange lights; plants, multi-
Chlorophyll b
Reflects yellow -green lights celled algae and
Absorbs red and blue lights; single-celled algae
Chlorophyll c and d (diatoms)
Reflects yellow -green lights
Accessory
Absorbs blue, violet lights;
Pigments Carotene
Reflects red, orange lights
Carotenoids all plants
Absorbs blue, violet lights;
Xanthophyll
Reflects brown, yellow lights
Absorbs dim and blue lights;
Phycoerethrin
Reflects red light red algae and
Phycobilins
Absorbs orange and red lights; cyanobacteria
Phycocyanin
Reflects blue light

Table Adopted from: 1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3n6W-mJ6xgI, and

2 https://www.biologyexams4u. com/2017/02/3-major-classes-of-photosynthetic.html#.X8UvN

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 2
 In colder regions/countries where
four seasons (spring, summer,
autumn /fall and winter) are
experienced, leaves change their
colors. In fall, temperature becomes
colder and the length of daylight is
shorter which affects photosynthesis.
As the temperature begins to drop,
chlorophyll breaks down and the
green color disappears, making leaves
very temporarily halt their food-
making process. Thus, other
pigments that had been hidden Figure 3. A leaf changing colors as chlorophyll breaks down
underneath or masked by chlorophyll when temperature drops. Other pigments surface to
continue photosynthesis through different seasons.
appear on the surface. These
accessory pigments become visible, Photo Source: https://news.northeastern.edu/2018/10/22/why-do-the-
leaves-change-color-in-the-fall-and-what-do-i-do-with-this-
giving the leaves a more splendid feeling-of-existential-dread/

orange or yellow color in fall or

autumn – and photosynthesis continues. In winter, the leaves appear dark orange due to
carotenoid and become dark brown due to anthocyanin during spring.

 What is the role of pigments in photosynthesis?

Biological pigments or simply referred to as pigments or biochromes are materials

produced by living things that have a color which results from selective color absorption. In
plants, these biological pigments give their leaves, stems and flowers colors; while in animals
these include skin, hair, feather, eye tints. However, in this lesson we will focus on plant
pigments and their importance in the manufacturing of foods by plants.

Apart from giving plants their shades, chlorophyll also play a significant role in
photosynthesis. In fact, without these plant pigments, the food making process by plants will not
be possible. Chlorophyll and other biological pigments in plants are photoreceptors – meaning,
they are molecules that trap or absorb light from the sun or from any source of visible light.
During photosynthesis, these plant biochromes catch the energy from the sun and convert
sunlight into chemical energy. They absorb energy to transform carbon dioxide and water into
glucose and oxygen. To put simply, plant pigments, such as chlorophyll, allow photosynthesis to
occur in order to transforms solar energy into chemical energy - a form that can be used by
plants and by the animals that eat them - to form the foundation of the food chain.

 How does chlorophyll absorb light energy?

Chlorophyll and other biological pigments have the ability to absorb and to reflect certain
wavelengths of visible light. Their capacity to reflect light makes the plants appear green or
colourful; while their ability to absorb light is their means to capture light energy for food
manufacturing.

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 3
 Figure 4. Chlorophyll Absorbing
and Reflecting Lights

The illustration shows that

chlorophyll absorbs red and blue
light most effectively and reflects
green light more than other
colors. This is the reason we see a
leaf as green.
blue
Photo Source:
https://www.slideshare.net/jcedarbaum1/ib-biology- red
29-slides-photosynthesis

Pigments are the means by which the energy in the form of light or sunlight is captured in
the thylakoid membrane of the plant’s chloroplasts for photosynthesis. But, since each pigment
responds with only a limited range of the spectrum, there is a need to produce varied kinds of
biochromes - each of a different color - to capture more of the sun's energy.

 How does chlorophyll transform light energy?

You’ve learned that light is absorbed by chlorophyll and other pigments during
photosynthesis. But, of all the sunlight that reached the surface of a leaf, only one percent (1%)
is used in photosynthesis. Take a look at the table below to see what happens when sunlight hits
the leaf’s surface:

Energy Incident on Leaf:

 75% is evaporated
 15% is reflected
 5% is transmitted
through the leaf
 4% is converted to
heat energy
 1% is used in
photosynthesis
Blue Green Yellow Red

Photo Source: Figure 5. The graph here shows different pigments in plants and the
https://www.quora.com/Can-plants- wavelengths of sunlight they absorb. Wavelengths that drive
photosynthesize-under-only-green-light photosynthesis are between 400 nm and 700 nm *(nm or nanometer).

The process of photosynthesis can be divided into two main reactions: 1) energy-harvesting
reaction of chlorophyll and other pigments and 2) Calvin Cycle.

The first main reaction, also known as the light reaction - as its name suggests - requires
light energy to operate. Calvin cycle which is sometimes referred to as dark reaction is the
reduction of carbon dioxide to glucose that makes use of the energy absorbed by the chlorophyll.

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 4
 The figure here is an overview of
photosynthesis that occurs in the
chloroplast of a plant cell. Here, sunlight’s
energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and
accessory pigments. The trapped light
energy excites the electrons in the
chlorophyll. These excited or energized
electrons (e) are transported by a special
carrier protein called Nicotinamide
Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate
Hydrogen or NADPH to the stroma of the
chloroplast where Calvin Cycle occurs.
There, they are transformed into chemical
Figure 6. Photosynthesis
energy in the form of ATP. The ATPs are
energy stored in the chemical bonds of Photo Source: https://slideplayer.com/slide/7522489/

carbohydrates or glucose.

Exercises / Activities

Activity 1. In or Out?
Objective: Identify the pigments and the color of light absorbed or reflected by the
photosynthetic pigments.
Materials: pen and paper
Directions: Copy the table in your answer sheet. Identify the plant pigments and the colors
absorbed or reflected from the given data in the table. Then, read the guide questions
and explain your answers in two sentences.
Photosynthetic Pigments Colors of Light Absorbed Colors of Light Reflected
Chlorophyll a 1. green
Chlorophyll b blue and orange 2.
3. red and blue green
4. infrared (red light to violet) Reddish - purple
Carotene 5. 6.
Xanthophyll 7. brown yellow
8. dim and blue light 9.
Phycocyanin 10. red

Guide Questions:
1. Why do most leaves of the plants display green color?
2. Why do leaves change their color when the season changes?
Rubric for Grading Answer Essay:
*(DO NOT ANSWER the boxes below; For Teacher use only)
Perfect Almost Getting Okay Try
Grading Factors There Closer Again
(5 Points) (4 Points) (3 Points) (2 Points) (1 Point)
Does the answer relate to the concept given?
Is the idea and content presented organized?
Is there grammar and/or spelling error(s)?

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 5
Activity 2. How Do I Post Thee?

Objective: Explain the importance of chlorophyll and other pigments in photosynthesis.

Directions: You read the situation and question below and compose an informative and fun
mock (pretend) post in social media that explains the importance of pigments in
photosynthesis. Write your response in your answer sheet.

Situation:
Suppose you are to post in social media, like in Facebook or in Twitter, what would you
write to reach your readers and capture their interest as you explain to them the role of plant
pigments in photosynthesis? Compose one post for each topic. Note: Composition in Filipino
is accepted. You may also make a cartoon meme.

Topics:
1. Role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis; and
2. Role of other pigments in photosynthesis.

Sample Answer: Sample Answer:

“Your ‘ex’ is like chlorophyll that has left you in the cold fall “Ikaw ang blue light na na-
and winter; but there will always be carotene or xanthophyll absorbed ng chlorophyll sa puso
that will help you to continue and catch rays of sunshine in ko . . . kung wala ka, walang ATP
your life, so don’t despair. Life goes on.” and buhay ko.”

Rubric for Grading Your Facebook or Twitter Post:

*(DONOT ANSWER the boxes below; For Teacher use only)
Points Criteria
3 (EXCEEDS 1. Post is interesting (not boring) and captures the readers’ interest.
EXPECTATIONS) 2. Post is informative and has no concept and/or grammar error.
1. Post is interesting at first but a reader may lose interest later due to its
2 (MEETS
lengthiness.
EXPECTATIONS)
2. Post is informative, but contains concept and/ or grammar errors.
1 (NEEDS 1. Post is not interesting and boring.
IMPROVEMENT) 2. Information provided is full of errors.

Activity 3. My Home-made Chlorophyll Powder

In this part of the lesson, you will be producing home-made chlorophyll powder. Extracted
chlorophyll powder from leaves of plants is usually used as organic alternatives for coloring of
food, cosmetic products or in soaps. Chlorophyll is a great natural colorant that can be utilized
to give hues to different products.
Objective: Extract chlorophyll from commonly and locally found leaves and produce home-made
chlorophyll powder.

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 6
Materials Needed:

 3 full cups of picked out / sorted out

 4 to 5 cups of clean cold water
malunggay (Moringa olifera) or very finely
chopped/shredded alugbati (Basella alba  Strainer (sala-an)
Linn.) leaves  small basin or bowl (plangganita)
Important Note:  Clean cloth to be used for squeezing out
a. Use only one kind of plant leaves – meaning, if you
liquid from blended or pounded leaves
decide to use malunggay then use only malunggay
leaves, and if you decide to use alugbati, use only  cooking pot and cooking stove
alugbati leaves.
 Clean container or pitcher
b. Choose leaves that are fully developed and that are
found from the middle section of the plant because  Blender or Mortar and pestle
they contain the highest amount of chlorophyll.
 Tray or pan for drying your extracted
c. Plants that grow in semi-shaded areas contain more
chlorophyll than the ones highly exposed to full sun. chlorophyll powder and wax paper or bond
d. Avoid using stems, very young or old leaves, spotted paper
and damaged leaves.

Directions:
1. Prepare all the materials and lay and arrange them in a clean table for easy and quick reach.
2. Sort or pick out (hagpaton) the leaves. Wash them well and drain.
3. Measure 3 full cups.
4. If you have a blender at home, blend the leaves thoroughly to make
a puree. Blend them in small portion, depending on the capacity of
your blender. Add cold water to the leaves for easy blending.
However, if you do not have blender at home, you can chop the
leaves very finely using knife and chopping board. Be extra careful
when using knife. You can also use mortar and pestle to crush the Photo Source:
leaves. Just add cold water when crushing the leaves to prevent https://st2.depositphotos.com/100
9329/6462/i/950/depositphotoslea
heating as you do the grinding or pounding. ves-with-mortar-and.jpg
6. After blending or grinding, strain the puree through a clean cloth
and collect the liquid extract. The strained extract contains
chlorophyll, so tightly press the cloth containing the puree with
your hands to collect as much extract as possible. The collected
liquid should be deep green in color and turbid. When done, the
solid particles left on the cloth can be discarded. You can use them
as chicken or pig feeds or as fertilizer to your garden.
7. Boil the collected liquid extract in a pot over medium heat for 1 to Photo Source:
http://www.natureontheshelf.com
2 minutes until curdles form. The chlorophyll-holding proteins in /natural-ingredients/homemade-
chlorophyll-powder.html
the extract will curdle. Green curdles containing chlorophyll will
appear on top of the clarified reddish or brownish liquid. See the photos below as guide.

Photos’ Source:
http://www.natureontheshelf.com/
natural-ingredients/homemade-
chlorophyll-powder.html

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 7
8. Strain the chlorophyll curdles. Use your hand to squeeze to remove the excess liquid. Discard
the reddish-brown liquid.
9. Gently wash the chlorophyll curdles in clean cold water and strain them again through a
clean cloth. Squeeze excess liquid by hand. This process will make the color of the
chlorophyll powder bright green, since washing will remove the water-soluble red pigments.
10. Lay a wax paper or bond paper over a tray or a pan. Spread the wet green curdles over the
paper to form a very thin layer. Dry them under direct heat of the sun for 4 to 5 hours or
until they are very dry. Repeat sun drying if needed. You will know if your chlorophyll extract
is completely dry when the granules are ‘rock hard’ and dark or almost black in color.
11. Crush the dried extract using mortar and pestle to turn them into fine powder. When your
chlorophyll powder is ready, you can store them in a clean clear glass jar with cover.
12. Finished products to be submitted will be one teaspoon chlorophyll powder
only which will be stored in a small decanter/jar (garapa) with cover or in
clean clear ice candy cellophane wrapper. Make sure you label it or tag it as
follows:
A. Title: My Home-made Chlorophyll Powder
B. Your Name: ______________________
C. Grade and Section: _______________ Photo Source:
https://en.wikipedia.
org/wiki/Matcha
Rubric for Grading Home-made Chlorophyll Powder:
*(DO NOT ANSWER the boxes below; For Teacher use only)
Perfect Almost Getting Okay Try
Grading Factors There Closer Again
(5 Points) (4 Points) (3 Points) (2 Points) (1 Point)
Completeness
1. The chlorophyll powder measures 1 teaspoon.
2. The chlorophyll powder is placed in a decanter
with cover or in secure clear plastic
cellophane.
3. The container has a complete label or tag.
Knowledge and Analysis
The finished product illustrates your
knowledge in the lesson by showing clean, fine,
and green or dark green chlorophyll powder.
Presentation
The out-put is presentable (clean, neat,
properly labeled or tagged)

Reflection
Directions: Please put a check mark in the column that corresponds to your answer.
1. Which of the concepts listed in the table below interest you the most? the least?
Most Least
Concepts
Interesting Interesting
Role of chlorophyll and other pigments in photosynthesis
How chlorophyll absorbs and transforms light energy
Extracting Chlorophyll
Directions: Write you answer in two sentences in a separate sheet of paper.
2. Did the activities help you understand the topic? (Yes/No) Explain your answer.
3. What is the significance/connection of the topic in your life or in your daily life activities?

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 8
References:

Book Sources

Audesirk, Teresa and Gerald Audesirk. Biology – Life on Earth – 4th Edition. Prentice Hall
International Editions. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1998.
Campbell, Neil A., et.al. Biology Concepts and Connections – 4th Edition. Pearson Education (Asia)
Pte. Ltd., 2003.
DiSpezio, Michael A., et.al. Science Fusion – Teacher Edition, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publishing Company, 2012.
Garber, Steven Daniel. Biology – Self – Teaching Guide. J. Wiley and Sons, Inc., 2003
Indge, Bill. A – Z Biology, The McGraw-Hill Companies, 2003
Lim-Borabo, Milagros and Heide Grace Lim-Borabo. Interactive and Innovative Teaching
Strategies. Lorimar Publishing, Inc., 2015.
Wright, Jill, et.al. Life Science – Annotated Teacher’s Edition. Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2008
Zara, Evelyn F. Rubrics in Science. Efeerza Academic Publication, Lipa City, 2003.

Web Sources

Anupama, Sapkota (JUNE 28, 2020). Photosynthesis - Definition. Accessed on: October 13, 2020,
Retrieved from: https://microbenotes.com/ photosynthesis/
Ellis, Michael (July 01, 2008). Photosynthesis in Leaves that aren’t Green. Accessed on:
November 28, 2020, Retrieved from: https://baynature.org/article/photosynthesis-in-
leaves-that-arentgreen/#:~:text=That's%20life%2C%20in%20a%20nutshell
General Biology 1 Learn Hub, Quexbook: PERCDC Learn hub, 2019.
Home-Made Chlorophyll Powder. Nature on the Shelf. Accessed on: October 18, 2020, Retrieved
from: http://www.natureontheshelf.com/natural-ingredients/homemade-chlorophyll-
powder.html
K to 12 MELCS with Corresponding CG- Codes. Department of Education: Curriculum and
Instruction Strand, 2020. Accessed on: June 10, 2020, Retrieved from:
https://commons.deped.gov.ph/melc
Photosynthetic Pigments. Berkeley. Accessed on: September 23, 2020, Retrieved from:
https://ucmp.berkeley.edu/glossary/gloss3/ pigments.html#:~:text
=Because%20they%20interact%20with%20light,sunlight%20is%20captured%20for%20phot
osynthesis
What is the Role of Chlorophyll? Green Plant and Chlorophyll. Accessed on: October 23, 2020,
Retrieved from: http://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/7A.html

Image References

Figure 1. Plant cells with tiny round chloroplasts as seen under a compound light microscope.
Retrieved from: http://www.webexhibits.org/causesofcolor/7A.html
Figure 2. Diverse plant leaves in different shades indicating variety of colors. Retrieved from:
https://selectivegardener.com/2-IN-Mini-Green-Plants-Set-of-4-p546.html
Figure 3. Callahan, Molly. Leaves changing colors. Retrieved from: https://news.northeastern.
edu/2018/10/22/why-do-the-leaves-change-color-in-the-fall-and-what-do-i-do-with-this-
feeling-of-existential-dread/
Figure 4. Cedarbaum, Jacob. Chlorophyll Absorbing and Reflecting Lights. Retrieved from:
https://www.slideshare.net/jcedarbaum1/ib-biology-29-slides-photosynthesis

Author: JINKY N. ORAIZ

Station: Nasipit National Vocational School
Division: Agusan del Norte
Email Add: jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Page 9
Page 10 jinky.oraiz@deped.gov.ph or jinkynaranjooraiz@gmail.com Email Add:
Agusan del Norte Division:
Nasipit National Vocational School Station:
JINKY N. ORAIZ Author:
Reflection Activity 3. Extracting
1. Varied answers are expected.
Chlorophyll
2. Yes/No. Accept all logical answers for
explanation. Refer to rubric for grading
responses. Refer to rubric for grading output.
3. Sample Answer:
Chlorophyll and other pigments in plants have
great effect in our daily lives, because it allows
photosynthesis to occur. Without photosynthesis,
there would be no food, and without food, there
would be no fuel or source of energy for all
organisms on Earth.
Activity 1. In or Out?
Activity 2. How Do I Post Thee?
1. blue – violet and red
2. green
Refer to rubric for grading. 3. Chlorophyll b
Sample answers: 4. Chlorophyll c and d
5. blue violet
“You are my sunshine, so if we break-up – I will 6. red, orange
be like a leaf that loses its chlorophyll.” 7. blue violet
8. Phycoerethrin
“ Ikaw ang blue light na na-absorbed ng 9. red
chlorophyll sa puso ko . . kung wala ka, walang 10. orange and red
ATP and buhay ko.”
“Green light ba ako? Bakit? Guide Questions:
Kasi di ako pinapasok ng chlorophyll sa puso mo. Sample Answers:
1. chlorophyll reflects green light
reflected basted 2. accessory pigments masked by
chlorophyll appear on surface
when chlorophyll breaks when
temperature becomes colder
Answer Key
Malunggay powder: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matcha
chlorophyll-powder.html
Retrieved from: http://www.natureontheshelf.com/natural-ingredients/homemade-
Malunggay in mortar and pestle, squeezed leaf puree, malunggay curdles: Nature on Shelf.
com/slide/7522489/
Figure 6. Underwood, Vincent. Photosynthesis. Retrieved from: https://slideplayer.
energyflow/abs.gif
https://globalchange.umich.edu/globalchange1/current/lectures/kling/
Figure 5. Phelps, Bryan. Pigments in Plants and Wavelength of sunlight absorb. Retrieved from: