Low Wavelength and Photosynthesis

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the use of low wavelength ultraviolet light and higher energy radiation, such as x-rays and gamma rays, in the context of photosynthesis. Participants explore the implications of these wavelengths on plant processes, potential survival mechanisms, and historical atmospheric conditions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that plants can utilize low wavelength ultraviolet light for photosynthesis and suggests that x-rays and gamma rays also yield surprising results.
  • There is speculation about whether this phenomenon could be a survival mechanism for extreme environments or a remnant of earlier Earth conditions with a thinner atmosphere.
  • Concerns are raised regarding the potential mutagenic effects of lower wavelengths on plants.
  • Another participant emphasizes the impracticality of using high-frequency radiation for photosynthesis when other wavelengths are more effective.
  • Several participants discuss the importance of proper attribution for scientific figures and data, highlighting the need for clarity regarding sources.
  • A participant admits to misunderstanding the graph's content, realizing it only pertains to visible light and not the higher energy wavelengths initially discussed.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion reflects a mix of exploratory ideas and corrections regarding the interpretation of data. There is no consensus on the implications of using higher energy radiation for photosynthesis, and participants express differing views on the importance of source attribution.

Contextual Notes

Participants express uncertainty about the implications of using high-energy radiation for photosynthesis and the historical context of atmospheric conditions. There are also unresolved questions about the accuracy of the graph and its relevance to the discussion.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying plant biology, radiation effects on living organisms, and the ethics of scientific communication.

quicksilver123
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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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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.
 
I don't really have a source, sorry. This graph came included in the course materials for a physics course.
 
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.
 
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.
 
D'oh. That's embarrassing. The graph is only for visible light.

Topic delete please.
 
quicksilver123 said:
Topic delete please.

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

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