Can plants survive on artificial light alone, or do they need sunlight? And if they do, is it for photosynthesis or something else?
2006-07-31 01:45:20 · 4 answers · asked by . 3 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Botany
Plants can't tell where the light energy for their photosynthesis comes from, and they don't care, either. Ask a cop about pot growers who use 'grow-lights'.
2006-07-31 01:52:44 · answer #1 · answered by cdf-rom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they can survive on artificial light alone. The chlorophyll in plants (the thing that converts light energy into something the plant can use via photosynthesis) absorbs various colors of light, reflecting back green. This is why plants are green. Their effectiveness is based upong the spectrum of light that is coming in.
As you know, white light is composed of many different colors of light. The spectrum is the how much of each different shade of color is in the light. Notice that daylight changes between noon and sunset.
There are many lights out there that use the spectrum is best for plants. These grow lights are commonly used in many greenhouses. However, you don't need these special lights to test it out yourself! Try using a flourescent bulb. The plant should grow fine under it assuming it is bright enough.
2006-07-31 01:57:51 · answer #2 · answered by polloloco.rb67 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You're a perfect example of why America ranks very low in education.
2006-07-31 08:49:25 · answer #3 · answered by murkglider 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can.
2006-07-31 02:56:47 · answer #4 · answered by kit walker 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋