A profile of the relative performance of the different wavelengths in photosynthesis.
Action spectrum
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, algae, and some bacteria use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into organic compounds. This process occurs in the chloroplasts of photosynthetic cells, and it relies heavily on the absorption of light by pigments such as chlorophylls and carotenoids.
The absorption of light by these pigments is wavelength-dependent, meaning that they absorb different wavelengths of light to varying degrees. The relative performance of the different wavelengths in photosynthesis can be described by the action spectrum for photosynthesis, which is a graph that shows the relative effectiveness of different wavelengths of light in driving photosynthesis.
The action spectrum for photosynthesis shows that the most effective wavelengths of light in driving photosynthesis are those in the red and blue regions of the spectrum, corresponding to wavelengths of light between about 400 and 700 nm. This is because chlorophylls and other pigments in photosynthetic cells absorb these wavelengths of light most efficiently, and they are able to transfer that absorbed energy into the chemical reactions of photosynthesis.
In contrast, wavelengths of light in the green part of the spectrum, which correspond to wavelengths of light around 550 nm, are the least effective for driving photosynthesis. This is because chlorophylls and other pigments in photosynthetic cells reflect green light, which is why chloroplasts appear green to the human eye.
It is important to note, however, that the action spectrum for photosynthesis is specific to a particular plant species, and it can vary depending on factors such as the availability of nutrients and light intensity. Additionally, some plant species have evolved specialized pigments that allow them to absorb wavelengths of light outside of the red and blue regions, such as in the far-red region of the spectrum. These pigments can contribute to the overall efficiency of photosynthesis in those species.
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