1.

2 More about
Photosynthesis

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 Learning Outcomes

Grades E–D: Grades C–B: Grades A–A*:

-Recall that -Suggest a hypothesis -Explain why
photosynthesis takes and plan an experiment photosynthesis takes
place in chloroplasts. to test it. place in chloroplasts.

-Carry out practical -Describe a test for the -Explain how the
work safely. presence of starch in structure of plant’s
plants. leaves support
photosynthesis.

-Explain why plants

need magnesium and
nitrate.

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Starter

• Where does photosynthesis take place?

Why?

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Chloroplasts and Chlorophyll

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How is glucose used?

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Where does the excess amount of
Carbohydrates go?

Isn’t that similar to us

storing food? How?

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How can you test for photosynthesis?
The presence of starch in a leaf can be used to show that
photosynthesis has taken place.
Iodine is used to test for starch.
It reacts with starch and changes
colour from brown to blue-black.
The starch test can be used to
prove that photosynthesis
needs light, carbon dioxide and
chlorophyll to take place.
How would you set up an experiment to test the conditions
needed for photosynthesis?
How would you make the experiment fair and reliable?

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Testing leaves for starch

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Testing Leaves for Starch

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Is chlorophyll needed for photosynthesis?
Chlorophyll cannot be removed from a plant without killing
the plant. Instead, variegated leaves can be used to show
chlorophyll is essential for photosynthesis.
Variegated leaves have pale parts,
which do not contain chlorophyll.
The green parts of the leaf contain
chlorophyll and are the control.
Which areas will react with iodine?
Only the green areas of the leaf
react with the iodine and turn
blue-black. Without chlorophyll,
the pale areas have been unable
to produce starch and do not turn
blue-black.
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How do leaves maximise photosynthesis?

Leaves are the most efficient

solar panels on Earth!
What does this mean?
Like solar panels, leaves
convert energy from the
Sun into usable chemical
energy.
Although leaves come in a
variety of shapes and sizes,
they share certain features
that enable the plant to
maximize photosynthesis.

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How are leaves adapted for photosynthesis?
To increase photosynthesis, leaves have certain key features:
 thin – this allows gases to
reach cells easily
 wide and flat – this create a
large surface area to absorb
as much light as possible
 veins – these carry water to the
cells and carry glucose away
and also support leaves
 stomata – these are pores on
the underside of leaves through
which gases move in and out.

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Structure of a leaf activity

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Take a look inside a leaf

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How do gases enter and leave plants?
On the underside of leaves are small holes, or pores, called
stomata. A single hole is called a stoma. Each stoma is
surrounded by two guard cells.

When guard cells gain water,

they curve outwards. This
opens the stoma, allowing
gases in and out.

Losing water causes the guard

cells to come closer together,
closing the stoma. This stops
the movement of gases, but
also prevents water loss.

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Minerals and Plants Growth

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1) Magnesium

• Magnesium is needed to make the green pigment,

chlorophyll.
• Less chlorophyll means less photosynthesis and
leaves will look yellow instead of green.

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2) Nitrate

• Nitrate contains nitrogen atoms which are needed to

convert carbohydrates to protein and also to make
chlorophyll.
• Proteins are essential for making new cells so plants
can grow well
• Without enough nitrogen, leaves die and plants stay
small.

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Minerals

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Plenary – Tweet Your Thoughts

• Post in three points, what did you learn

today?

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