Photosynthesis

• process that produces glucose for in plants and algae.
• happens inside chloroplasts

The raw materials for photosynthesis:

• sunlight beats down on the leaf and is absorbed by green chlorophyll in chloroplasts and provides energy for the reaction
• water reaches the cells via xylem
• CO2 diffuses into the leaf

Equation for photosynthesis:

• carbon dioxide + water >>>>light energy>>>> glucose + oxygen
  6CO2 + 6H2O >>>> light energy>>>> C6H12O6 +6O2

Plants are made of organs like stems, roots and leaves.
These organs are made of tissues.

Leaves are made of:

• mesophyll tissue- where most photosynthesis happens
• xylem and phloem - transport water, mineral ions and sucrose around the plant
• epidermal tissue - covers the whole plant

Not enough light slows the rate of photosynthesis.

• light provides energy needed for photosynthesis
• as light level increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases but only until a certain point
• at this point it is no longer the mimicking factor

In a lab

• in a lab, you can change light intensity by moving a lamp closer and further away from a plant.
• you should measure light intensity using a light meter

Too little carbon dioxide slows the rate of photosynthesis

• carbon dioxide is a raw material for photosynthesis
• as carbon dioxide levels increase, the rate of photosynthesis increases up until a certain point
• after this, carbon dioxide is no longer the limiting factor

In a lab

• carbon dioxide levels can be increased by dissolving different amounts of sodium hydrogencarbonate in the water.

The temperature must be just right

• temperature can be the limiting factor because it's too low - the enzymes needed for photosynthesis work slower in the cold
• if the temperature is too high, enzymes will become denatured (45 degrees)

In a lab

• temperature levels can be controlled using a water bath