How light intensity effects the rate of photosynthesis.

Essay by TwiStaHigh School, 10th gradeA, December 2004

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In my investigation I am going to establish the effect of changing light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.

What is Photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is how plants get their food. The reason

why plants have leaves, roots or being green is all linked

to photosynthesis. In photosynthesis, a plant takes

carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil and

uses the light from sunlight to turn them into food.

Photosynthesis occurs only in the presence of light, and

takes place in the chloroplasts of green plant cells.

Photosynthesis can be defined as the production of

simple sugars (glucose) from carbon dioxide and water

causing the release of sugar and oxygen.

Oxygen is also produced in photosynthesis, plants don't

really need oxygen so they give it out as a waste product

but saves a little bit to use for respiration. The sunlight

is absorbed by a green pigment called chlorophyll.

Most of the glucose is turned into a substance called starch.

Word equation for photosynthesis:

Light energy

Carbon dioxide + Water Glucose + Oxygen

Chlorophyll

Word equation for photosynthesis:

Light energy

6CO + 6H O C H O + 6O

2 2 Chlorophyll 12 6 2

My aim:

My aim is to determine the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis. To accomplish this I will have to control the amount of water, carbon dioxide and light. Also the distance of the light will have to be controlled by undertaking this there should be different levels of oxygen escaping the plant. The plant will be soaked into water so the oxygen can be measured easily. The oxygen will be measured by the amount of bubbles produced from the plant for a certain amount of time.

Investigate the factors of - Independent variable - I am changing the...