Question

Maximum and Minimum photosynthesis takes place in (respectively)

• A. Red and Blue light
• B. Blue and Red light
• C. Red and Green light
• D. Blue and Green light

Answer 1

The correct option is D Blue and Green light

• Since photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplast that has chlorophyll, the rate of photosynthesis is affected by the colour of light that is absorbed the best by the chlorophyll pigment. Chlorophyll absorbs blue and red light energies the best. The colour that has highest influence on photosynthesis thus is blue which is why many plant growers use blue lights to grow indoor plants. Red light is next best for photosynthesis.
• The leaves of a plant are green because the chlorophyll within them absorb all other wavelengths of light and reflects green light. In the absorption spectrum, it can be shown that red light and blue light are the most absorbed whereas the green light is most commonly reflected. Therefore minimum photosynthesis takes place in green light.