Over the Spectrum: Effect of Different Colors of Light on Rate of Photosynthesis

Abstract

The amount of light absorbed by a plant plays a role in the rate of photosynthesis. We hypothesize that because chlorophyll that is present in plants reflects green light which has a wavelength between 500-550 nm, it will absorb more red light which has a wavelength of 700-750 nm and more violet light which has a wavelength of 400-450 nm. It has not been fully addressed how different pigments of light on opposite ends of the visual spectrum relate to each other in the long term effect of the generation of photosynthesis. To test this, we placed a plant under different wavelengths on opposite ends of the visual spectrum for 15 minute periods using an O₂ sensor to record the rate of photosynthesis and analyzed the results. The determination of optimum lighting conditions for plant growth has the potential to assist producers in increasing output.