Dr. Melissa E. S. Richardson Ryan Williams April 4th, 2017 Lab Assistants Jaerae Dell Joy Gullo Anna White Abstract In this lab, students conduct experiments using disk cut from leaves and a 0. 2% bicarbonate solution to observe the rate of photosynthesis. The gases O2 and CO2, which are commonly found in a leaf, were extracted from them so students could view how photosynthesis can still take place if a substitution source of carbon dioxide is present. By the substitution of bicarbonate, the leaves were able to rise above water again and, in doing so, accumulate enough oxygen to complete the process of photosynthesis. Students conducted different experiments with different properties to determine which conditions caused photosynthesis to happen quicker. After performing these experiments, students were able to conclude that bicarbonate can, in fact, be a substitution when gases from a leaf are extracted.
Introduction
Photosynthesis has a major role to play in our life. With Photosynthesis, life as we know it wouldn't (Measuring the Rate of Photosynthesis). To live we need to breathe and without the help of plants that would be quite impossible. "These amazing organisms are capable of capturing the energy of sunlight and fixing it in the form of potential chemical energy in organic compounds. The organic compounds are constructed from two principle raw materials; carbon dioxide and water (which is a source of hydrogen). These compounds are stable and can be stored until required for life processes." (Measuring the Rate of Photosynthesis). Photosynthesis converts light energy into chemical energy through a complex chemical process that practically all life depends on for food and oxygen (Vodopich & Moore, 2014, p. 137). The purpose of this lab was for students to see how photosynthesis can be affected in different conditions and when properties of an organism that allows photosynthesis to occur have been extracted from that organism.
Material
1.
2. Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) 3. Liquid soap (approximately 5 mL of dishwashing soap in 250 mL of water) 4. 2 plastic syringes without needles (10 mL or larger) 5. Living leaves (spinach, ivy, etc.) 6. Hole punch 7. 2 clear plastic cups 8. Timer 9. Light source Methods Prepare 300 mL of 0. 2% bicarbonate for each experiment. Pour the bicarbonate solution into a clear plastic cup to a depth of about 3 cm. Label this cup "With CO2". Fill a sec...