action spectrum

views updated May 29 2018

action spectrum A graphical plot of the efficiency of electromagnetic radiation in producing a photochemical reaction against the wavelength of the radiation used. For example, the action spectrum for photosynthesis using light shows a peak in the region 670–700 nm. This corresponds to a maximum absorption in the absorption spectrum of chlorophylls in this region.

A Dictionary of Biology

action spectrum

views updated May 23 2018

action spectrum A graph of the efficiency of different wavelengths of light in promoting a given photoresponse, as in photosynthesis or phototropism.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

action spectrum

views updated May 18 2018

action spectrum A graph of the efficiency of different wavelengths of light in promoting a given photoresponse, as in photosynthesis or heliotropism.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

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