Final answer:
The peak of photosynthesis in terms of sunlight required varies, with plants converting 0.01-6% of sunlight into chemical energy, influenced by factors like water and nutrients. Light reactions require sunlight to generate ATP and NADPH. Efficiency can differ greatly, with a well-watered corn field potentially reaching 1.5% and algae up to 6%.
Step-by-step explanation:
The amount of sunlight required for photosynthesis to peak can vary depending on environmental factors such as water availability and nutrient levels. Generally, plants are capable of converting anywhere from 0.01-6% of sunlight into chemical energy, with algae being on the higher end of the scale at 5-6% efficiency under ideal conditions.
Light reactions, which are the initial stage of photosynthesis, depend on sunlight to generate energy in the form of ATP and NADPH. These reactions occur when the sun fuses hydrogen into helium, releasing energy as light, which then travels to Earth to fuel photosynthesis.
For example, a well-watered and fertilized corn field might reach a photosynthetic efficiency of around 1.5%. However, a potato plant's efficiency can be estimated by considering the total solar energy it receives over a growing season and the amount of energy stored in the biomass it produces.
If the intensity of sunlight reaching the Earth's surface is about 1,000 W/m2, during a typical five-month growing season with insolation of 250 W/m2, a plant collects considerable energy, which is then used to create stored chemical energy.
While cloud cover can reduce the intensity of sunlight reaching the plant, photovoltaic cells can still produce 10-50% of their capacity under such conditions. Overall, the peak rate of photosynthesis depends not only on the intensity of sunlight but also on the plant’s capacity to use it efficiently in the presence of adequate water and nutrients.