Rate of Photosynthesis.

BACKGROUND: Photosynthesis is the process in which light energy is converted to the chemical energy of sugars. It can be summarised in the following equation. Cardon dioxide + Water in the presence of chlorophyll and light produces Glucose + Oxygen This process occurs in the chloroplasts of plant cells which are primarily found in the leaves. To measure the rate of photosynthesis in this practical you are going to measure the time it takes for leaf disks …

…sink in the bicarbonate solution even though they do in water. Although this is quite a good problem-solving exercise for the students if time permits, the simplest solutions are to use a softer leaf type or tap the disc(s) gently to dislodge any small air bubbles which may be adhering to the surface. Also ensure that they are vacuumed in the syringe until they sink quickly in the water rather than drift down slowly.