Low Wavelength and Photosynthesis

In summary: Yes, even those. Threads are meant to be permanent records of discussions and are useful for others who may have similar questions. It is important to be mindful of the information and content we put out there, even if it may not be relevant to everyone.
  • #1
quicksilver123
173
0
I realize this is not a biology forum.

Check out the attachment.

As expected, plants can use some low wavelength ultraviolet light for photosynthesis.

However, the photosynthetic process seems to go nuts when x-rays are used. This is the first time I've ever heard of this. Even gamma rays seem to produce good results.

Is this some sort of survival mechanism for a post-apocalyptic nuclear wasteland? :p

Or more likely, a throwback to a time when the Earth had a thinner atmosphere? (might be way off here). Would the lower wavelengths cause mutagenic effects?

Seeing as how wavelengths around 650nm seem to contribute to a rate of photosynthesis comparable to 350nm-450nm range, producing these high frequency waves would obviously be impractical and wasteful when there's plenty of good radio and microwave spectrum radiation lying around. :p

Has anyone read any studies about this?
 

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  • #2
Please note that it is standard practice in science (and many other places as well) that when you take something like this, you must attribute the source! It is "bad manners" in science to take a figure, especially when it has experimental data, and not cite the source.

Zz.
 
  • #3
I don't really have a source, sorry. This graph came included in the course materials for a physics course.
 
  • #4
Then you should make sure you clarify that THAT is where you got it, and that you cannot attribute the source (it is a very bad form for your course material to not cite where they got something like this). Or else, if the owner of this graph happened to see it and there's no mention of any attempt at crediting the work, that does not make for a very good image of this forum.

Zz.
 
  • #5
BTW, you are reading the figure all wrong! The top part of the figure is simply a scale of the different wavelengths. The bottom graph is not related to the top. Look at the horizontal scale of the graph. The wavelengths are in the hundreds of nm. x-ray has wavelength LESS than 1 nm!

Zz.
 
  • #6
D'oh. That's embarrassing. The graph is only for visible light.

Topic delete please.
 
  • #7
quicksilver123 said:
Topic delete please.

Sorry, we don't delete threads on request. Threads are meant to be permanent.
 
  • #8
even useless and misleading threads?
 

1. What is low wavelength and how does it affect photosynthesis?

Low wavelength refers to the shorter wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum, such as blue and violet light. These wavelengths are important for photosynthesis as they are most efficiently absorbed by chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for capturing light energy in plants.

2. Can low wavelength light be harmful to plants during photosynthesis?

While low wavelength light is crucial for photosynthesis, too much of it can be harmful to plants. Excessive exposure to blue and violet light can lead to photoinhibition, which is the process of light-induced damage to the photosynthetic machinery. This can decrease the plant's ability to photosynthesize and ultimately affect its growth and development.

3. How does low wavelength light affect the rate of photosynthesis?

The rate of photosynthesis is directly influenced by the amount of low wavelength light that is available to the plant. When there is an optimal amount of low wavelength light, the rate of photosynthesis increases. However, if there is too little or too much low wavelength light, the rate of photosynthesis will decrease.

4. What are some sources of low wavelength light for photosynthesis?

Natural sources of low wavelength light include sunlight, as well as artificial sources such as LED grow lights. These lights can be specifically designed to emit blue and violet wavelengths to optimize photosynthesis in plants.

5. How does the use of low wavelength light impact crop production?

The use of low wavelength light can greatly impact crop production. By providing plants with optimal levels of low wavelength light, their photosynthetic efficiency can increase, leading to faster growth, larger yields, and higher quality produce. This is especially important in controlled environments, such as greenhouses, where light conditions can be manipulated for maximum crop production.

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