Answer to Question #150160 in Cell Biology for Emily Neugebaur

Question

describe the changes a molecule undergoes when it absorbs a quantum of light

Answer 1

If a quantum of visible or ultraviolet light is absorbed, then an electron in a relatively low energy state of the molecule is excited into a higher energy state. If infrared radiation is absorbed by a molecule, then the excitation energy affects the motions of the nuclei in the molecule. After the initial absorption of a quantum of energy, the excited molecule can undergo a number of primary photochemical processes.