Biology lab report: Investigating the Rate of

Photosynthesis
Aasritha grade 10

Criteria B

Introduction

The process of photosynthesis is the conversion of light energy into

chemical energy. The procedure can be divided into two separate reactions.
The light-dependent, which requires the presence of light. The second
reaction being the light-independent, which does not require light. The light-
dependent reaction; chlorophyll (a pigment found in plants and algae)
absorbs light energy from the sun and this energy is used to produce ATP.
This energy is then used to spilt water molecules into hydrogen ions and
oxygen (a let off waste product) this is also called photolysis. ATP and
hydrogen ions are used in light-independent reactions, which occur in the
night. In combination with carbon dioxide, these components can form
building blocks that the plant requires. Photosynthesis can be simplified into
the equation “6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2”.

Factors affecting photosynthesis: there are 3 factors affecting light intensity,

carbon dioxide concentration & temperature. Light intensity and carbon
dioxide concentration: as the factor(s) increases the rate of photosynthesis
also increases until another factor becomes the limiting factor. And
temperature: As the temperature starts to increase the rate of
photosynthesis also increases until it reaches the optimum temperature,
where the enzymes catalysis the reaction fast but if the temperature keeps
on increasing the rate of photosynthesis starts to rapidly decrease as the
enzymes start to denature and this is irreversible.

- Research question:

How does the amount of sunlight affect the photosynthetic rate of elodea?

- Hypothesis:

Plant have chlorophyll, and if light intensity increases chlorophyll absorbs

more light and the rate of photosynthesis will increase therefore more
bubbles will be produced, after a sometime the rate at which the bubbles
produced will be constant as another factor becomes limiting.
- Variables:

Independent variables Light intensity at The distance between

different lengths the light source and the
(20,10,5,2) plant is modified
throughout the
experiment.
Dependent variables Number of bubbles (the The rate of
rate of photosynthesis) photosynthesis is
measured by counting
the bubbles released by
the plant because of
the process.
Controlled variables Amount of water
Length of the plant
Color of the light
Time duration
Room temperature

- Materials:

Pondweed (Elodea)

Test tube 10

Funnel

Beaker 500ml

Sodium bicarbonate solution (0.1%) 5-6 drops

Light source (e.g., lamp)

Ruler

Stopwatch
Method

- Prepare the Elodea: Cut the Elodea plant into two equal pieces.
- Set up the Experiment:
Pour 460 ml of water into the beaker.
Add a few drops of sodium bicarbonate to the water.
Place the funnel into the beaker, ensuring the stem extends above the
water level. Invert the test tube over the stem of the funnel, trapping air
inside.
- Position the Light Source: Place the light source at X cm from the beaker.
- Start the Timer: Begin timing immediately.
- Observe Bubble Production: Count the number of bubbles that
accumulate in the inverted test tube over a specific time (2 min)
- Repeat Experiment: Conduct multiple trials (at least 3) to ensure
accuracy and consistency of results. Vary the distance of the light source
(X cm) in each trial.
 Safety measures

General safety

Wear protective equipment like:

- goggles to prevent any splashes from hurting your eyes.

- Use gloves to handle broken glass or the hot light bulb.

Electrical safety

- Keep the water away from electric wires. If it touches them, it will
cause a short circuit and electrocution
- Before starting the experiment, check the equipment for loose wires.

Criteria C

Data collection

Group data

Distanc
e from
light Number of bubbles of oxygen produced in 3 minutes
source
(cm)
Group Group Group Group Group Group Grou Grou Averag
1 2 3 4 5 6 p7 p8 e
2 3 1 25 6 78 3 67 3 23.25
5 3 3 18 5 70 2 32 10 17.87
10 2 3 16 12 66 2 14 8 15.37
20 2 2 11 2 59 1 3 2 10.25

Individual data (average)

Distance from the Number of oxygen

light (cm) bubbles produced in
2 min (average of 3)
20 11
10 16
5 17.6
2 25.3
Analysis: The graph shows how different light quantity affects the speed of
photosynthesis. As is expected, these data points are showing a positive
correlation between those two factors. If the intensity of light is increased,
then the plant produces oxygen bubbles much faster since the plant is closer
to the light source. Therefore, in this case, one of the factors is light. This is a
process that is slowed down when there is insufficient light, while the
speedier way to conduct photosynthesis with a plant is by giving it more
light.

The data presented in the table strongly supports the hypothesis. As light
intensity increases (distance from the light source decreases) the rate of
photosynthesis as measured by the number of oxygen bubbles produced,
also increases. This suggests that light is a limiting factor for photosynthesis
and when it is in ample supply the process proceeds at a higher rate.

Conclusion:

The data clearly shows that light intensity has a huge impact on the rate of
photosynthesis as light intensity increases the rate of oxygen production (for
example at 10cm the plant produces 16 bubbles but at 5 cm the plant
produces 17.6 bubbles it is almost a 10 percent increase by the plant also
increases strongly suggesting a direct correlation between these two
variables, this finding supports the understanding of photosynthesis It
depends on light as a primary energy source.

Evaluation: No notable anomalies were found in the data the observed

trend is consistent and confirms the hypothesis that light intensity directly
affects the rate of photosynthesis.

Improvements:

Limitation Improvement

Larger sample size: This would help

Small sample size: The experiment could
to reduce the impact of individual
be improved by increasing the number of
variation and increase the reliability
trials or using a larger number of plants.
of the results.

Limited range of light intensities: The Expanded range of light

experiment could be expanded to include a intensities: This would allow for a
wider range of light intensities to better more detailed analysis of the
understand the relationship between light response of photosynthesis to varying
and photosynthesis. light conditions.

Controlled variables: These factors

Lack of control for other factors: The
could be maintained at constant
experiment could be improved by
levels to ensure that any observed
controlling for other factors that might
changes in photosynthesis are
influence photosynthesis, such as
directly attributable to variations in
temperature, CO2 levels, and plant health.
light intensity.

Subjective measurement of bubble

Objective measurement: This
production: The measurement of oxygen
would provide a more accurate and
bubbles could be made more objective
precise quantification of the rate of
using a gas collection apparatus and a
photosynthesis.
calibrated gas analyzer.
a. The principles of photosynthesis and light intensity must inform the
design of energy-efficient greenhouses or vertical farms the key to
optimizing light exposure for plant growth is to understand the specific
wavelengths of light that plants require for photosynthesis and the ideal
light intensity levels By understanding the specific wavelengths of light
that plants require for photosynthesis and the ideal light intensity levels
we can and will design lighting systems that maximize plant growth while
minimizing energy consumption. When using artificial lighting in
greenhouses or vertical farms, it is essential to consider the following
factors:

Wavelength: Plants require a specific wavelength of light, similar to that of

the sun, to avoid stress.

Intensity: The intensity of light must be adjusted to match the specific needs
of the plant species being grown Plants will be stressed by excessive light
while on the other hand insufficient light will result in growth being slow.

b. Green roofs: By covering buildings with vegetation, green roofs can

absorb carbon dioxide, improve air quality, and reduce energy
consumption through insulation. The design of green roofs must consider
factors like sunlight exposure to ensure optimal plant growth and
maximize benefits.

Urban gardens: Community gardens and rooftop gardens can provide fresh
produce, enhance biodiversity, and improve local air quality. Careful planning
of these spaces to maximize sunlight exposure is essential for successful
plant growth.

Tree planting: Strategic tree planting can help to shade buildings, reducing
energy consumption for cooling, and absorb carbon dioxide to mitigate
climate change. Understanding the light requirements of different tree
species is crucial for selecting the right trees for specific locations.

Real life examples

Singapore: The city-state has implemented extensive green roof initiatives,

covering a significant portion of its buildings. These green roofs help to
absorb rainwater, reduce urban heat island effects, and improve air quality
by capturing carbon dioxide through photosynthesis.
Paris: The city has installed numerous vertical gardens on building, these
green walls contribute to air purification, noise reduction, and energy
conservation by providing natural insulation.

Milan: The city has created urban forests, planting trees in public spaces
and along streets. These forests help to improve air quality, reduce noise
pollution, and provide shade, which can lower temperature

Photos:
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