Would a plant not be able to photosynthesize in green light?

Question

Supposing you had a plant... and the only light available was green... since the chlorophyll will reflect this light, does that mean that photosenthesis can't take place?... Just a thought...

Answer 1

No, the plant will not photosynthesise in this light, or at best, very poorly.

Answer 2

When you analyze the absorption spectrum of leaf pigments extracted from the leaves of plants, very little green light is absorbed by the pigments.  If any photosynthesis occurred it would probably not be enough to maintain life of the plant.  

Plants that grow in the understory of a forest get subdued light but it still has colors other than green.  The plants often have adaptations for survival in the dim light such as large leaves.  The concept of selective harvesting of large mature trees is to open the understory so more light reaches the forest floor and enhances the growth of immature trees.

Answer 3

photosynthesis requires white light(light of all the 7 colors).

if only green light is available, you will see the leaves green but photosynthesis process will be disrupted.

Answer 4

You are correct. Plants photosynthesize best in blue light and red light. Since white light contains both red and blue, plants thrive in it.