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The actual type of bacterium we are using for this experiment is called Rhodobacter capsulatus. It is referred to as a purple nonsulfur bacterium due to its reddish or purplish appearance in its native form and because, unlike some other types of photosynthetic bacteria, it does not accumulate sulfur. It can be found living in some ponds or lakes, usually a couple of feet down beneath the layer of algae or small plants that live near the surface. Part of the reason it is red or purple instead of green like plants is that it uses a different color of light than the plants do. Therefore, what light passes through the plants and algae near the surface is just the right color light for this organism to use.
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Photosynthesis Center Arizona State University Box 871604 Room PSD 209 Tempe, AZ 85287-1604
09 February 2006 |
phone: (480) 965-1963 fax: (480) 965-2747 |