Question:

In which light rate of photosynthesis is maximum ?

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Maximum photosynthesis occurs in Red light, followed by Blue light.
Minimal or negligible photosynthesis occurs in Green light because it is reflected rather than absorbed by chlorophyll.
  • Blue
  • Green
  • Red
  • Indigo
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The rate of photosynthesis depends significantly on the wavelength of light absorbed by photosynthetic pigments (primarily chlorophyll a and b) located in the chloroplasts.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Photosynthesis is driven by visible light within the Photosynthetically Active Radiation (PAR) region, spanning wavelengths from \( 400 \, \text{nm} \) to \( 700 \, \text{nm} \).
Chlorophyll a and b pigments exhibit distinct absorption peaks in the blue and red regions of the spectrum.
The action spectrum of photosynthesis shows that the highest rate of photosynthesis occurs under red light (wavelength around \( 640 \, \text{nm} \) to \( 680 \, \text{nm} \)).
This is because red light is absorbed highly efficiently, and its photons possess the optimal energy level required to excite electrons in the reaction centers of Photosystem II (PSII) and Photosystem I (PSI) without wasting energy as heat.
The rate of photosynthesis is second highest in blue light (wavelength around \( 430 \, \text{nm} \) to \( 470 \, \text{nm} \)).
Under blue light, some energy is lost as heat during excitation (non-photochemical quenching).
Photosynthesis is lowest in green light because chlorophyll pigments reflect green wavelengths, which gives plants their green appearance.

Step 3: Final Answer:

The rate of photosynthesis is maximum in red light.
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