Using the action spectrum for photosynthesis, determine what wavelengths of light appear to be optimal for photosynthesis.
Using the action spectrum for photosynthesis, determine what wavelengths of light appear to be
optimal for photosynthesis.
Photosynthesis is a process by which green plants and certain other organisms capture light and use the energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar. Chlorophyll molecules and carotenoids are the major players that absorb the light. There are two types of Chlorplyll present-Chlorophyll a and Chlorophyll b
An action spectrum is a kind of graph that measures the effectiveness of a particular process (photosynthesis) as a wavelength function.
- The absorption spectrum for chlorophyll a covers around 430-475 nm and 660-670 nm.
- The absorption spectrum of chlorophyll b covers around 430-470 nm.
- The absorption spectrum of β-carotene spreads between 400-500 nm.
Therefore. the active absorption occurs in the regions between 400- 500 nm wavelength of visible light. The light between 400-500 nm is optimum for photosynthesis.
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