Photosynthesis

When one stops to think about volcanic dust in the atmosphere, one realizes that things could be very, very difficult.

Why Study Photosynthesis?
By Devens Gust, Ph.D., Professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry
Center for the Study of Early Events in Photosynthesis

One of the major energy-harvesting processes in plants involves using the energy of sunlight to convert carbon dioxide from the air into sugars, starches, and other high-energy carbohydrates. Oxygen is released in the process. Later, when the plant needs food, it draws upon the energy stored in these carbohydrates. We do the same. When we eat a plate of spaghetti, our bodies oxidize or "burn" the starch by allowing it to combine with oxygen from the air. This produces carbon dioxide, which we exhale, and the energy we need to survive. Thus, if there is no photosynthesis, there is no food. Indeed, one widely accepted theory explaining the extinction of the dinosaurs suggests that a comet, meteor, or volcano ejected so much material into the atmosphere that the amount of sunlight reaching the earth was severely reduced. This in turn caused the death of many plants and the creatures that depended upon them for energy.

Offered by Glenn.

What frequencies of light are needed by plants. Since plants reflect back green light, then we know they don't need the green light frequency. Has there been any studies done to show what frequencies at what amplitudes produce maximum growth? Is it different for different plants? We will not have an over abundance of energy to spend to produce light. We will want to produce just the frequencies needed for maximum growth to save energy. Once these frequencies are found then what light bulbs produce these frequencies? Which of these bulbs are lowest cost, long lasting, and most durable to come through the various jolts of the pole shift? We have collected a lot of data on this subject but I do not believe we have a bottom line answer.

Offered by Mike.

There is a very good paper on Photosynthesis. This paper also includes a figure showing how different bandwidths of light are absorbed by different photosynthetic pigments, it is the same information one could find in a college biochemistry textbook.

Offered by Steve

Looks like it's blue and high-luminosity and superluminosity red based on the plant site and the led site. All I can say about all this is Chromalux light bulbs grow plants. I've done it with no other light source and my 5' high tomato plants in 6 weeks are testimony to its effectiveness. It's not nearly as efficient though as a Halide lamp.

Offered by John.