Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which color of light maximizes the rate of photosynthesis in most green plants?
A
Violet
B
Green
C
Yellow
D
Red
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the process of photosynthesis: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. The light energy is absorbed by pigments in the chloroplasts, primarily chlorophyll.
Learn about chlorophyll's absorption spectrum: Chlorophyll, the main pigment in green plants, absorbs light most efficiently in the red (around 680 nm) and blue-violet (around 430 nm) regions of the light spectrum. It reflects green light, which is why plants appear green.
Analyze the options: Violet light is absorbed well by chlorophyll, but red light is absorbed even more efficiently and contributes significantly to photosynthesis. Green light is mostly reflected, and yellow light is less effective than red or violet for photosynthesis.
Relate absorption to photosynthesis rate: Since red light is absorbed most efficiently by chlorophyll, it provides the energy needed to drive the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, maximizing the rate of the process.
Conclude the reasoning: Based on the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll and its role in photosynthesis, red light is the color that maximizes the rate of photosynthesis in most green plants.