How can the rate of photosynthesis be measured?

How can the rate of photosynthesis be measured?

7 Explain that the rate of photosynthesis can be measured directly by the production of oxygen or the uptake of carbon dioxide, or indirectly by an increase in biomass.

What unit is rate of photosynthesis measured in?

The SI unit for light intensity is lux. However, different light sources provide different initial values of lux, so the term ‘arbitrary units’ has been used in this example.

What indicates the rate of photosynthesis?

Without enough light, a plant cannot photosynthesise very quickly – even if there is plenty of water and carbon dioxide and a suitable temperature. Increasing the light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis , until some other factor – a limiting factor – becomes in short supply.

What are two ways that the rate of photosynthesis would be measured?

What are the different methods of measuring the rate of photosynthesis?

• Measuring the uptake of CO2
• Measuring the production of O2
• Measuring the production of carbohydrates.
• Measuring the increase in dry mass.

How did we measure the net rate of photosynthesis indirectly?

At any given point in this experiment, the number of floating leaf disks is an indirect measurement of the net rate of photosynthesis. When you apply a gentle vacuum to the leaf disks in solution, this air is forced out and replaced with solution, causing the leaves to sink.

How do you measure the rate of photosynthesis in algae?

Read the full protocol on using immobilsed algae to measure photosynthesis. Using an IRGA – Uptake of CO2 can be measured with the means of an IRGA (Infra-Red Gas Analyser) which can compare the CO2 concentration in gas passing into a chamber surrounding a leaf/plant and the CO2 leaving the chamber.

Why is measuring the rate of oxygen production in chloroplasts appropriate for estimating the rate of photosynthesis?

Why is measuring the rate of oxygen production in chloroplasts appropriate for estimating the rate of photosynthesis? Oxygen is produced by “splitting” water in the photosystem II complex. During photosynthesis, the light energy from the sun is captured and stored in the bonds of _____.

How can you measure the rate of photosynthesis more accurately?

Using ‘immobilised algae’ – It’s easy and accurate to measure the rate of photosynthesis and respiration using immobilised algae in hydrogen carbonate indicator solution – known as the ‘algal balls’ technique.

How can you measure the rate of photosynthesis?

The easiest way to measure photosynthesis rate in this manner is to measure carbon dioxide or oxygen levels using a data logger. We can also measure the rate of photosynthesis by measuring an increase in the plant’s biomass (weight). Beside above, what is photosynthetic rate?

How does the amount of limiting factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Any change in the level of a limiting factor will affect the rate of reaction. For example, the amount of light will affect the rate of photosynthesis. If there is no light, there will be no photosynthesis. As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis will increase as long as other factors are in adequate supply.

Is the dry weight of leaves measured during photosynthesis?

Dry weight of both the leaves is estimated. Some of the products of photosynthesis are used during photosynthesis. So it is not an accurate method.

How much carbon dioxide does photosynthesis take in a year?

There is a total of 7000 x 10 9 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and photosynthesis fixes 100 x 10 9 tonnes per year. So 15% of the total carbon dioxide in the atmosphere moves into photosynthetic organisms each year. What are the different methods of measuring the rate of photosynthesis?