3.8 photosynthesis (core)
DESCRIPTION
3.8 Photosynthesis (Core). 3.8.1 State that photosynthesis involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy. 3.8.2 State that light from the Sun is composed of a range of wavelengths (colours). 3.8.3 State that chlorophyll is the main photosynthetic pigment. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
3.8 Photosynthesis (Core)
3.8.1 State that photosynthesis involves the conversion of light energy into chemical energy.
3.8.2 State that light from the Sun is composed of a range of wavelengths (colours).
3.8.3 State that chlorophyll is the main photosynthetic pigment.
3.8.4 Outline the differences in absorption of red, blue and green light by chlorophyll.
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What is photosynthesis?The conversion of light energy into chemical
energy in plants.
The Visible SpectrumLight from the sun is made of a range of colours.This is a result of the different wavelengths of light.Blue light has a shorter wavelength and more
energy.Red light has a longer wavelength and less energy.
ChlorophyllChlorophyll traps sunlight. It is the main photosynthetic pigment in plants
Why do leaves look green?
visible light
Red and blue light is absorbed by the leaf.
Green light is reflected and reaches our eyes
visible light
Green light is reflected and reaches our eyes
The amount of red and blue,light absorbed can be measured using a spectrophotometer
Leaf extract (chlorophyll)
Try this:
Why are plants not always green?
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Absorption SpectrumIf we pass light through a leaf extract and
measure how much of each wavelength of light is absorbed we produce an absorption spectrum.
The main colours of light absorbed are red and blue. The main colour reflected is green.
Action SpectrumIf we pass different wavelengths of light through
a leaf extract and measure the rate of photosynthesis we get an action spectrum.
Comparing the SpectraBoth show peaks in the red and blue areas of
the visible spectrum.However, there is activity in wavelengths where
there is no absorption.This is evidence for the presence of other
pigments, e.g. carotenoids.
chlorophyll achlorophyll b
carotenoids
Try this:Plant pigment chromatography
Assessment Statements:
3.8.5 State that light energy is used to produce ATP,
and to split water molecules (photolysis) to form oxygen and hydrogen.
3.8.6 State that ATP and hydrogen (derived from the
photolysis of water) are used to fix carbon dioxide to make organic molecules.
What is the light used for?To produce ATP and to split water molecules to form oxygen (released as a waste product) and hydrogen. The ATP and hydrogen are used to fix carbon dioxide into glucose.
Assessment Statement:
3.8.7 Explain that the rate of photosynthesis can be
measured directly by the production of oxygen or the uptake of carbon dioxide, or indirectly by an increase in biomass.
Measuring the rate of photosynthesis
What can we measure? How?
How quickly raw materials are used:e.g. water and carbon dioxide
How quickly products are formed:e.g. oxygen production and biomass
Controlling Variables
Controlling temperature is always important when enzymes are involved. The water bath keeps the temperature constant.
Water plants like Elodea are ideal as we can see the oxygen forming.
Try this - Virtual Photosynthesis Lab
Photosynthesis Design Lab
Design an experiment to investigate photosynthesis using leaf discs.
Assessment Statement:
3.8.8Outline the effects of temperature, light
intensity and carbon dioxide concentration on the rate of photosynthesis.
Effect of changing light intensityIncreasing the light intensity has no effect on the rate. Other factors are limiting (carbon dioxide or temperature).
As the light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis also increases.
At low light intensity the plant is respiring.
Effect of changing carbon dioxideIncreasing the carbon dioxide has no effect on the rate. Leaves are saturated with carbon dioxide. Other factors are limiting.
As the carbon dioxide increases the rate of photosynthesis also increases. The limiting factor is the carbon dioxide concentration.
Effect of changing temperature
Plant enzymes have an optimum of about 25oC and are denatured at 45oC
As the temperature and kinetic energy increase the rate of photosynthesis also increases. Enzymes needed for photosynthesis work better in warmer temperatures.
Maximum rate at optimum temperature