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AAT Bioquest

Which wavelength of light is absorbed maximum for the photosynthesis process?

Posted August 25, 2022


Answer

The blue wavelength of the spectrum is absorbed maximum for the photosynthesis process. 

There are two main types of chlorophyll pigments in plants – chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b. Chlorophyll a is the pigment that is involved in oxygenic photosynthesis. This pigment absorbs its maximum energy from blue wavelengths. 

Chlorophyll can absorb red wavelengths as well, but because blue light has a higher frequency and more energy in one photon compared to red light, blue light is the absorbed maximum for the photosynthesis process.

Additional resources

A physiological perspective on the origin and evolution of photosynthesis