2.

9
Photosynthesis
Understandings:
■ Photosynthesis is the production of carbon compounds in cells using light energy
■ Visible light has a range of wavelengths with violet the shortest wavelength and red the longest
■ Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light most effectively and reflects green light more than other
colours
■ Oxygen is produced in photosynthesis from the photolysis of water
■ Energy is needed to produce carbohydrates and other carbon compounds from carbon dioxide
■ Temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration are possible limiting factors on
the rate of photosynthesis
Applications:
■ Changes to the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and rock deposition due to photosynthesis
Skills:
■ Drawing an absorption spectrum for chlorophyll and an action spectrum for photosynthesis
■ Design of experiments to investigate the effect of limiting factors on photosynthesis
■ Separation of photosynthetic pigments by chromatograph
Photosynthesis means the
conversion of light energy into
chemical energy
Wavelengths of light
• Light is composed of a range of different wavelengths
• When the wavelengths are combined we see them as ‘white’ light

Less energy More energy

Chlorophyll
• Chlorophyll is a molecule that is the
main photosynthetic pigment
• When the chlorophyll absorbs light,
electrons are released that can be used
to make ATP
• A substance can either absorb or
reflect a certain wavelength
• It is the reflection of a wavelength that
we perceive as colors
• Chlorophyll absorbs blue and red
wavelengths but reflects green -> this
is what makes the leaves look green
Chloroplast
 2 step process
Photosynthesis

Step 1 Step 2

Light dependent reactions Light independent reactions

Photolysis Calvin Cycle

-light energy into chemical -chemical energy to

energy, ATP synthesize carbohydrates
On thylakoids of chloroplasts In the stroma of chloroplasts
Two stages of photosynthesis
1. The light-dependent reactions
(on the thylakoid membranes)

- the light makes the chlorophyll

to release electrons
- the light splits a water
molecule into hydrogen and
oxygen = hydrolysis
- the oxygen is released from
the leaf, the plant only wants the
hydrogen and the ATP
2. The light-independent reactions
(in the stroma)

- ATP and hydrogen which are

products from the light-
dependent reactions is used to
bind carbon molecules = fixation of
carbon dioxide
- this leads to the formation
of complex organic
molecules, sugars
- the sugars are stored and
used later in the cell
respiration
Rate of photosynthesis
• You can measure the rate of photosynthesis by measuring the
changes in carbon dioxide and oxygen
• By measuring the change in pH you can se if there has been an uptake
of carbon dioxide
• The bubbles with oxygen that aquatic plants release can be collected
and measured
• Glucose production can be indirectly measured by the change in dried
plants weight
Factors affecting rate of photosynthesis
• Temperature
• Rate of photosynthesis is controlled by enzymes -> higher temperature will
increase the rate of photosynthesis unless it is too high
• Light intensity
• As light increases so does the photosynthesis rate up till a maximum point,
after that there will be no change because enzymes are working at their
maximum capacity
• Carbon dioxide concentration
• Increase until the enzymes are saturated
 How could we investigate the effects of limiting factors on
photosynthesis?
● Choose a plant material that allows easy control of variables and collection of data.
Would it be better to use an aquatic plant or a terrestrial plant?
● Finalise your independent variable first (it could be either temperature, light intensity or
carbon dioxide concentration), then list all other variables that you have to keep
constant throughout the experiment.
● After checking the amount of time you have for the experiment, decide on how many
levels of the independent variable you will include, as well as the number of repeats for
each value. You should have at least 3–5 different levels of the independent variable.
● If you have decided to measure the amount of oxygen produced as an indication of rate
of photosynthesis, avoid counting bubbles; consider measuring the volume of gas
produced, which is more accurate. Alternatively, you may use a data logger and oxygen
or carbon dioxide sensor to collect data (if you have them at school).
 Chromatography
Chromatography is an experimental technique by which mixtures can be separated
■ A mixture is dissolved in a fluid (called the mobile phase) and passed through a
static material (called the stationary phase)
■ The different components of the mixture travel at different speeds, causing them to
separate
■ A retardation factor can then be calculated (Rf value = distance component travels ÷
distance solvent travels)
Chromatography
 Questions on the video

1. Some pigments stick to the paper more than others, will they travel more quickly
or more slowly?
.............................................................................................
2. Other pigments dissolve in the solvent more easily, will the travel up the paper
more quickly, or more slowly?
.............................................................................................
3. Why do the pigments move at different speeds?
.............................................................................................
4. Once separated, how can these photosynthetic pigments be identified?
.............................................................................................
Chromatography & Rf values
Rf values answers
 Inaccuracies
■ Age and type of chromatography paper
■ Composition of solvent
Review questions
● Is the green colour of plant leaves due to a single pigment or
more?
● Which of the following pigments is likely to move quickly in polar
solvent (like water or alcohol)?
● Carotenoids (hydrophobic),
● Xanthophyll (hydrophilic),
● Chlorophyll A (hydrophobic)
● Chlorophyll B (hydrophobic)