Can Photosynthesis Occur at the Backside of a Leaf?

I try to grow some Pak Choy (a kind of vegetable).

By the way, may I ask you how many percentage of hole area (solidity) of the plate required to prevent choking?

Thanks

The photosynthesis reaction occurs in the chlorophyll part of the leaf. Chlorophyll is not confined to the top part of the leaf only. It is present all over, including the obverse side of the leaf as well. Therefore, some reflected light shining on the back side of leaves will be useful.

Also, there is no focussing arrangement inside a leaf. So light falling on the underside will find its way to the growth mechanisms on the top side by passing through the leaf structure, albeit slightly attenuated. Light reflected from the plate that misses the leaf will be reflected back again from something else, and will also arrive at the growth mechanisms.

So the light that's reflected from the leaf. Will that be full spectrum, or just green light?

Wow! You all have excellent comments. I am a botanist, biochemist, and physical chemist, and I am amazed how broad your knowledge base is reflected in your comments. I assume some of this is research ability and hobbies as that is what I rely on to keep up with some engineering threads. Since You guys have answered the question correctly, I can only add that as with most life forms there are natural dynamic equilibriums "at work" that must be maintained in order for the plant to be healthy. Redirecting light (or other factors: precipitation, heat, etc.) on a plant may seriously affect the endocrine system (commonly triggered in the apical portions of the stems and roots) and alter normal healthy growth. As for the reflection of green color from leaves etc. (Assuming normal vision and in regards to the visible spectrum) you are seeing the original spectrum of light (naturally from the sun or a simulation) minus (mainly blue frequencies) the light absorbed (and possibly refracted) by the plant part. The color (spectrum) you see is commonly a combination of several electromagnetic waves not one (which is rare under normal circumstances). Thank you all for allowing me to participate when I can, although I have to admit I lack the knowledge to comprehend the majority of threads.

There is a difference between a back side and a backside.

--Ed. C.

You are real sharp, Tornado. It is a pleasure reading your posts.

You should have used a mirror...that will reflect more light....plus, you should cover the upper surface of the leaf such that only the bottom side is exposed...

Anyway, photosynthesis occurs whether there is light or not, i.e. there is a light dependent stage, and a light independent stage (see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calvin_cycle).

Therefore, your experiment may therefore not give you a good result or conclusion...but whatever the result, you can still eat 'em...