Do photosynthetic plants require natural sunlight

AI Thread Summary
Photosynthetic plants can undergo photosynthesis using artificial light, such as fluorescent lights, although natural sunlight is more effective due to its energy output. While artificial lighting can support plant growth, it typically requires more energy to achieve similar results as sunlight. For optimal growth, specialized grow lights are recommended.
jgens
Gold Member
Messages
1,575
Reaction score
50
I'm certain this is a silly question but: Do photosynthetic plants require natural sunlight to undergo photosynthesis, or will artificial light from flourescent lights suffice?

Thanks!
 
Biology news on Phys.org

Thread 'Flesh-eating New World Screwworm re-occurrence in US'

Deadly cattle screwworm parasite found in US patient. What to know. https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2025/08/25/new-world-screwworm-human-case/85813010007/ Exclusive: U.S. confirms nation's first travel-associated human screwworm case connected to Central American outbreak https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-confirms-nations-first-travel-associated-human-screwworm-case-connected-2025-08-25/...
View full post »

Thread 'Chagas disease now established in US'

Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S. According to articles in the Los Angeles Times, "Chagas disease, long considered only a threat abroad, is established in California and the Southern U.S.", and "Kissing bugs bring deadly disease to California". LA Times requires a subscription. Related article -...
View full post »

Thread 'I need help understanding this quote about recent Natural Selection'

I am reading Nicholas Wade's book A Troublesome Inheritance. Please let's not make this thread a critique about the merits or demerits of the book. This thread is my attempt to understanding the evidence that Natural Selection in the human genome was recent and regional. On Page 103 of A Troublesome Inheritance, Wade writes the following: "The regional nature of selection was first made evident in a genomewide scan undertaken by Jonathan Pritchard, a population geneticist at the...
View full post »

Similar threads

Astrobotany: Can Plants Grow Bigger in Outer Space?
Replies
6
Views
3K
CAM photosynthesis saturation / trying to parse a paper
Replies
2
Views
2K
Do plants need direct sunlight?
Replies
3
Views
9K
Why is green light not useful for photosynthesis?
Replies
9
Views
3K
Just add poison: Bacteria outperform plants in efficiency
Replies
2
Views
2K
Carbon dioxide & oxygen balance
Replies
2
Views
5K
How do I reconcile the biochemistry textbook descriptions of protons?
Replies
4
Views
2K
Any sunlight band pass filter for 400-700nm of EM Spectrum?
Replies
10
Views
3K
Do plants respond to low frequency electromagnetic waves?
Replies
11
Views
4K
Lawn/Garden Convex Mirror in Backyard to reflect sunlight onto the house
2
Replies
84
Views
22K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top