What wavelengths of light primarily drive the process of photosynthesis?

The process of photosynthesis is primarily driven by light energy, which is absorbed by pigments in plant cells, particularly chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is most effective at absorbing light in the red range (approximately 600-700 nm) and the blue range (approximately 400-500 nm). This absorption of light provides the energy necessary for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis, where light energy is converted into chemical energy in the form of ATP and NADPH.

The red and blue wavelengths are critical because they correspond to the peaks in the absorption spectrum of chlorophyll, allowing plants to utilize these wavelengths efficiently for energy conversion. This energy is subsequently used in the light-independent reactions (Calvin cycle) to synthesize glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

In contrast, green light is largely reflected by plants, which is why they appear green, and does not significantly drive photosynthesis. Yellow light does not fall within the peak absorption ranges that stimulate the strongest photosynthetic activity. Infrared light, while part of the broader spectrum of sunlight, does not have sufficient energy to drive the biochemical reactions involved in photosynthesis.