Question

If the total number of photons falling per unit area of a leaf per minute is kept constant, then which of the following will result in maximum photosynthesis?

• A. Shining green light
• B. Shining sunlight
• C. Shining blue light
• D. Shining ultraviolet light

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Shining blue light

The photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplast, where four main photosynthetic pigments called chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, xanthophylls, and carotenes are found. All these pigments absorb light and utilize the light energy in photosynthesis. Blue light is absorbed not only by chlorophyll, but also by carotenoids, and some carotenoids are not in the chloroplasts; further, carotenes and xanthophylls make up the carotenoids. The rate of photosynthesis is maximum in red and blue light and photosynthesis doesn't take place in green light.

So the correct answer is 'Shinning blue light'.