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Is green the best color for photosynthesis?

Published in Photosynthesis 1 min read

No, green is not the best color for photosynthesis.

While plants do absorb some green light, they absorb red and blue wavelengths more efficiently. Chlorophyll a, the primary photosynthetic pigment, strongly absorbs red and blue light, driving the photosynthetic process.

Here's a breakdown:

  • Chlorophyll a: The main pigment involved in photosynthesis. It absorbs red and blue light most effectively.
  • Green Light: Green light is largely reflected by plants, which is why they appear green to our eyes. This reflected light is not effectively used for photosynthesis.
  • Photosynthetic Efficiency: Photosynthesis occurs more efficiently with red and blue wavelengths of light than with green wavelengths.

Therefore, while green light can be used for photosynthesis to some degree, red and blue light are far more effective, making them the "better" colors for the process.

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