Lab Seven (Exercise 9): Photosynthesis Capture of Light Ene…

In this lab, you investigated how light energy drives photosynthesis and how environmental conditions influence the rate of this process.

Part A Concepts (Use complete sentences):

1. Describe the role of chlorophyll in photosynthesis. Why is chlorophyll green?
2. Explain why light is required for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
3. Differentiate between the light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).

Part B Application & Analysis:

In the lab, leaf disks (or another plant sample) were exposed to different light conditions.

Consider the following setup:

• Beaker 1: High light intensity
• Beaker 2: Low light intensity
• Beaker 3: No light (dark condition)

1. Predict what would happen to the rate of photosynthesis in each beaker.
2. Explain how oxygen production is used as an indicator of photosynthetic activity.
3. If the leaf disks in the dark did not float, explain why this occurs in terms of energy conversion.

Part C Real-World Connection:

Choose one real-life example (greenhouses, seasonal plant growth, deforestation, crop production, indoor plant care, climate change, or aquatic ecosystems).

Explain how light availability affects photosynthesis and why this is important for ecosystems and food production.