Electromagnetic waves outside the visible spectrum play a role in photosynthesis
the verdict
SUPPORTED
the evidence backs this
confidence 86/100
Electromagnetic waves outside the visible spectrum, particularly far-red and near-infrared light, play a significant role in driving and enhancing photosynthesis through mechanisms such as the Emerson enhancement effect and specialized pigment absorption.
Evidence for · 8
Far-Red Light Accelerates Photosynthesis in the Low-Light Phases of Fluctuating Light.
2019 · cited by 49
Far-red light accelerates photosynthesis and enhances CO2 assimilation during fluctuating light conditions.
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More for · 7
Sunlight-operable light converting smart windows for fertilizer-free plant growth enhancement
2020 · cited by 27
Far-red and near-infrared photons are shown to be beneficial and utilized for plant growth enhancement.
Far-Red Spectrum of Second Emerson Effect: A Study Using Dual-Wavelength Pulse Amplitude Modulation Fluorometry
2014 · cited by 14
Far-red light illumination increases the quantum yield of Photosystem II via the second Emerson effect.
Greater Than the Sum of the Parts: Revisiting the Enhancement Effect in Photosynthesis Using Simulated Sun‐ and Shade‐Light
2025 · cited by 7
Far-red light enhances photosynthesis beyond the sum of individual effects when combined with shorter wavelengths.
Structure and energy transfer of a far-red–absorbing euglenophyte PSI–LhcE–LhcbM supercomplex
2026 · cited by 1
Structures in euglenophytes show adaptations that enhance the absorption of far-red light for photosynthesis.
Upconversion Nanoparticles Expand the Photosynthetically Active Spectrum of Microalgae into the Near-Infrared for CO2 Biofixation.
2026 · cited by 0
Converting near-infrared photons into photosynthetically active wavelengths increases microalgal carbon fixation and electron transport.
The Far-Red Light Absorption and “Redundant Chlorophyll” in Plants: A Waste of Resource or an Important Booster of Photosynthesis?
2025 · cited by 0
Far-red light absorption beyond the conventional 700 nm boundary contributes significantly to plant productivity and harmonizes energy flow.
Near-infrared-light-driven artificial photosynthesis by nanobiocatalytic assemblies.
2014 · cited by 0
Near-infrared light can drive artificial photosynthesis and photoenzymatic synthesis using nanobiocatalytic assemblies.