Aim :
To measure the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis in leaf discs.
Introduction : The simple concept of photosynthesis is that it can occurs in the presence of light, which takes place in the chloroplasts of green plant cells. Photosynthesis can also be defined as the production of simple sugars from carbon dioxide and water causing the release of glucose and oxygen. The chemical equation for photosynthesis can be expressed as:
(light) 6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 (in the presence of chlorophyll)
Thus, in this experiment, we are required to determine the rate of photosynthesis of leaf disc. But first, we must know that, the rate of photosynthesis and the amount of oxygen produced by a plant is affected by different factors such as light intensity, temperature, amount of water and amount of CO2. Thus, we are investigating effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis in leaf discs by varying the light intensity, and fixing the amount of sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and temperature.
It is predicted that as the intensity of light increases, so will the rate of photosynthesis and the amount of oxygen produced.
Reasearch question :
How does different light intensity (distance of light source from the table surface) affect the rate of photosynthesis in leaf disc?
Hypothesis :
The greater the light intensity (shorter distance between light source and table surface) The higher the rate of photosynthesis in leaf discs.
Variables :
Variables Ways to conduct unit
Indipendant The distance between the light source and the surface of table (light intensity) By using a meter ruler, each light intensity are represented by distance of (10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35) cm between the lamp and surface of the table. cm
Dependant The time taken for each leaf disc to rise. ( The rate of photosynthesis) By recording the time