Topic2: Molecular biology IB Biology

Practical: The rate of photosynthesis

Name and surname: Class: Points

1.IB /31 = %

Practical task: Analysis of the rate of photosynthesis in Elodea using simulation

Background: The intensity of light is one of the factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis. In this
experiment we will measure the rate of photosynthesis dependent on the different distance of
the light source from the Elodea plant using the computer simulation created at University of
Reading.
Use the link below to access the simulation:
https://www.reading.ac.uk/virtualexperiments/ves/preloader-photosynthesis.html

Instruction: 1. Get familiar with the simulation interface (there are detailed instructions present).
2. Measure the rate of photosynthesis (in BPM – Bubbles Per Minute) when the distance of
the light source is 120, 140, 160, 180 and 200 cm from the plant.
3. Measure the BPM value three times for every distance.
4. Record your values to a spreadsheet (can be downloaded from Managebac).
5. Calculate mean values (function: “=PRŮMĚR” or “=MEAN”)
6. Calculate SD values (function: “=SMODCH” or “=STDEV”)
7. Plot your values into convenient graph (plot also the SD values; don´t forget to name axes,
label proper units, …).
8. Insert your table and graph into this worksheet (don´t forget to name and number them).
9. Conclude your experiment.

Results: /20
 Conclusion: /5

The release of oxygen increases exponentially if the light source is closer to the plant (in this graph the curve decreases
exponentially because the values on y axis are increasing). Some variation occurred when the plant was in distance of
180 cm from the plant. The solution in which plant is placed could influence the result of the experiment. The ability to
absorb water is also a factor.

2
Theoretical task: Limiting factors of photosynthesis

Your answers /2
The optimum temperature is 25-35 Degrees Celcusis
Maximum temperature is 45 Degrees Celsuis

Your answers: /2
The light is a primary source of energy
The light intensity is not going to be 0 J x dm 2 S-1 , Activity is higher

3
 Your answers: /2
The grass increases in biomass by using the CO 2
High or low temperature, the environment ( Ex. desert-air changes
temperature quicker due to lack of humidity)

References
1. Allott, Andrew, and David Mindorff. Biology: Oxford IB Diploma Programme. Oxford University Press, 2014.
2. https://www.reading.ac.uk/virtualexperiments/ves/preloader-photosynthesis.html (25/3/20)