Alfalfa seedlings were studied to see how they cope with cold and dark conditions. The plants were kept in the dark at a chilly 10°C, which caused damage to their photosynthesis process. This damage led to a decrease in their ability to take in carbon dioxide and slowed down their growth. The seedlings also showed changes in their chlorophyll levels, with more carotenoids being produced to protect them from the stress. After being returned to normal conditions, the plants were able to recover and start photosynthesizing again.