Background Information: During photosynthesis, plants use light energy to combine carbon dioxide and water to form glucose. A by-product of photosynthesis is oxygen. Therefore, oxygen released measures the rate of photosynthesis. Electricity to power lightning and the ideal conditions for temperature are important factors to consider. Your proposal should recommend the minimal conditions required for light and temperature to yield the maximum rate of photosynthesis.
During photosynthesis, light energy is used to synthesize carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) into
glucose (C6H12O6) and oxygen (O2). The complex series of chemical reactions is summarized by the
following formula:
6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy –> C6H12O6 + 6O2
In the Gizmo, what light intensity, temperature, and CO2 level do you think will maximize the rate of
photosynthesis?
In a greenhouse, electricity is required to control temperature and power lightning. Carbon dioxide is a free resource because it is always present in the air. The cost for lightning is also a consideration. The Gizmo compares white light to different colors (wavelengths) of lightning.
Residents of a large, urban high-rise complex are interested in building a rooftop greenhouse. A committee has requested a feasibility study before beginning greenhouse construction. Your challenge is to design a small-scale greenhouse prototype that will maximize the rate of photosynthesis. Your proposal should recommend the minimal conditions required for light and temperature to yield the maximum rate of photosynthesis.
The Problem: (Use this as the guiding question for your lab) How does temperature, light wavelength and intensity, and carbon dioxide levels affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Hypothesis: (Here propose what levels of temperature, light wavelength and intensity, and carbon dioxide levels might be optimal for the rate of photosynthesis in plants, and explain why you think this)
Data Collection: (List the data (variables) that you will collect for this lab)
Procedure: (Describe how you will collect your data, as well as the steps you will take to analyze the data)
Observations: (Show your data in data tables)
Analysis: (Show your graphs here, and discuss your findings)
Conclusion: (What was the solution to the problem; state the optimal temperature, light wavelength and intensity, temperature and carbon dioxide levels to maximize the rate of photosynthesis)
