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Photosynthesis in Action Setting the Scene Photosynthesis is the means by which plants can convert carbon dioxide and water to oxygen and, most importantly, glucose. This happens when sunlight hits a pigment called chlorophyll, which is stored in the chloroplasts in plant cells. Plants then use the glucose in a number of different ways: - Respire the glucose to provide energy - Use glucose as a building block for making cellulose, which is used for producing cell walls. - Store the glucose as starch, so that the plant can use the glucose at another time. - Combine with other molecules to make either fatty acids or amino acids. There are a number of factors which affect the rate of photosynthesis, and one of them is light intensity. This interactive science experiment allows us to discover the relationship between these. We can measure the rate of photosynthesis in a number of ways, and one of them is to use an underwater plant, such as Canadian pondweed (Elodea canadensis). We can then count the number of bubbles being released from the plant each minute. Your Challenge 1. Complete the online experiment on www.syngenta.co.uk/learningzone. The method of how to measure the rate of photosynthesis is included with the experiment. Remember that the more measurements you take at each distance away from the light, the more accurate and reliable your data will be. relate to the light intensity? 4. What gas do you think the bubbles contain? 5. Using your data and your graph, describe the trend that it shows. Why do you think this trend occurs? 6. Can you think of any other factors, apart from light intensity, which could affect the rate of photosynthesis in Elodea canadensis? How 2. Plot your results on a graph, with suitable do these factors affect photosynthesis? length axes and a meaningful title. Remember to state what is being measured on each axis, 7. How could you improve this experiment to and to include units of measurement. achieve more precise, accurate and reliable results? 3. How does the distance from the light source www.syngenta.co.uk/learningzone