Question

What percentage of PAR is captured by plants and photosynthetic bacteria?

• A. 2-10%
• B. 5-20%
• C. 50%
• D. 10-20%

Answer 1

The correct option is A 2-10%

We know that plants use sunlight to perform the process of photosynthesis but they use very specific wavelength range of the solar radiation which falls between 400 nm to 720 nm, also known as PAR (Photosynthetically Active Radiation). Of this PAR, plants are able to convert only 2-10% into chemical energy. Most of the solar energy reaching the Earth is reflected from leaves and other surfaces and absorbed by other molecules, which convert it to heat. Only a 2-10% of PAR is captured by plants and photosynthetic bacteria.