Spectral Quality

As we've discussed in the "light" review, wavelength is an important
indicator of energy potential.





This diagram from Tiaz and Zeiger 2006 shows the light spectrum absorbed by the chlorophyll
in the chloroplast. As you can see, the most energy, indicated by the “quantum yield” is
obtained from the blue and red parts of the spectrum (400-500nm and 650-700nm). There is a drop
at both 550nm and 700nm, which correspond to the green wave length (this is mostly reflected
which h is why we see most photosynthesizers as green, except by carotenoids, which usually appear
orange or red to us. This is what predominates in the fall, and why we see these as “fall colors”.)