The percentage of light energy utilised for photosynthesis by higher p...
Correct Answer: D
Solution :
Only 1-2 % light is utilized in photosynthesis. In general rate of photosynthesis is more in intense light than diffused light.
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The percentage of light energy utilised for photosynthesis by higher p...
Percentage of Light Energy Utilized for Photosynthesis by Higher Plants
Introduction:
Photosynthesis is the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process occurs in specialized organelles called chloroplasts, which contain a pigment called chlorophyll. However, not all the light energy that reaches a plant is utilized for photosynthesis. Only a fraction of the incident light energy is used for this purpose.
Explanation:
The percentage of light energy utilized for photosynthesis by higher plants is relatively low. The correct answer is option 'D', which states that only 1-2% of the light energy is utilized for photosynthesis. This means that the majority of the incident light energy is not directly converted into chemical energy through photosynthesis.
Factors Affecting Light Energy Utilization:
Several factors contribute to the low percentage of light energy utilized for photosynthesis:
1. Absorption Efficiency: Plants do not absorb all wavelengths of light equally. Chlorophyll pigments primarily absorb light in the blue and red regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Green light, which falls in the middle of the spectrum, is poorly absorbed by chlorophyll, leading to a lower overall absorption efficiency.
2. Reflectance and Transmission: Some incident light is reflected by the plant's surface, while some is transmitted through the leaves. This means that not all light energy reaches the chloroplasts for photosynthesis.
3. Chlorophyll Saturation: As the intensity of light increases, the amount of chlorophyll available for absorption becomes saturated. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency of light energy utilization for photosynthesis.
4. Photorespiration: In certain environmental conditions, plants undergo a process called photorespiration. This process consumes energy and reduces the overall efficiency of photosynthesis.
5. Other Energy Requirements: Plants require energy for various metabolic processes other than photosynthesis, such as growth, reproduction, and defense mechanisms. This further reduces the percentage of light energy available for photosynthesis.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, only a small fraction of the incident light energy is utilized for photosynthesis by higher plants. Factors such as absorption efficiency, reflectance, transmission, chlorophyll saturation, photorespiration, and other energy requirements contribute to this low percentage. Understanding the factors that affect light energy utilization in photosynthesis is crucial for studying plant physiology and optimizing agricultural practices.
The percentage of light energy utilised for photosynthesis by higher p...
Out of total incident solar radiation less than 50% forms Photosynthetically Active Radiation ( PAR)...out of which only 1-2% is used by higher plants to perform photosynthesis....
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