Q20 / 120 · NEET 2011 (Mains) · Botany
Which one of the following is essential for photolysis of water?
- Correct answerAManganese
- BZinc
- CCopper
- DBoron
Solution
Photolysis of water requires light energy, and oxygen evolving complex (OEC) and an electron carrier $Y_z$. OEC complex was formerly called Z-enzyme. It has four Mn ions. Light energy brings about changes in $\mathrm{Mn}\left(\mathrm{Mn}^{+2}, \mathrm{Mn}^{+3}, \mathrm{Mn}^{+4}\right)$ which helps in removing electrons from $\mathrm{OH}^{-}$ component of water forming oxygen. Liberation of oxygen also requires $\mathrm{Cl}^{-}$and $\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}$.
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'A'.