Final answer:
When a plant is placed inside a box made of greenish-yellow plastic, light filtering occurs that selectively transmits greenish-yellow wavelengths, reducing the light available for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is most effective under full-spectrum light, which includes wavelengths absorbed by chlorophyll, hence, in this scenario, the photosynthetic rate would likely slow down.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a plant is placed in a transparent box made of greenish-yellow plastic, the light quality reaching the plant is altered. Plants use chlorophyll a and b to absorb wavelengths primarily in the blue and red range, which are most effective for photosynthesis. Carotenoids like β-carotene absorb light in the blue region, reflecting longer wavelengths such as yellow, red, and orange. The greenish-yellow light can still be absorbed by carotenoids to some extent; however, because the material of the box filters out other wavelengths of light that are majorly absorbed by chlorophyll, essential for photosynthesis, it can lead to a reduction in photosynthesis efficiency.
Considering this information, the plant’s photosynthesis could be slowed due to the altered light quality, as the primary photosynthetic pigment, chlorophyll, would not receive the full spectrum of wavelengths it requires. Carotenoids may absorb some of the light of this wavelength, but their main function is to protect against excess energy and dissipate it as heat, not to drive photosynthesis in the same capacity as chlorophyll. Thus, the most accurate statement would be that all of the plant pigments will be able to absorb the light, but this light is lower energy, and therefore, photosynthesis will be slowed.