Photosynthesis Lab Report

Effects of varying wavelengths and Light Intensities on the Rate of Photosynthesis in Elodea spp. And Polarity of Spinach on Chromatography Paper

Geneva Gama

Hawaii Pacific University

Photosynthesis is one of the most essential processes on earth for biological life. It is the process by which green, as well as other specific types of organisms, transfer light energy into chemical energy. It involves enzymes, and electron transport chains –which make it quite a complex process (Light Wavelength, Intensity, and the Rate of Photosynthesis Handout). The equation for the reaction is:

6CO2 + 6H2O + Energy C6H12O6 + 6O2 where the 6CO2 is carbon dioxide (which can be taken from the atmosphere), 6H2O is water, energy can be in the form of sunlight, C6H12O6 is glucose which can be any organic matters in plants, and 6O2 which is oxygen. The reaction rate of photosynthesis can be determined and measured in various different ways—the disappearance of the substrate (CO2) or the appearance of product (C6H12O6). In this particular experiment, it was measured by the production of O2. In plants,

This plays a major role in the reaction rate of photosynthesis. As the light intensity increases, so does the reaction rate. However, this only holds true for so long. At a certain point, the light has become abundant and the pigments are no longer able to absorb more light, so the reaction rate will begin to plateau. This is the maximum rate of photosynthesis (Plax). Objects may also reach a stage called photo-inhibition, where the reaction rate will actually begin to decrease. Photo-inhibition can be caused by damage made to the pigments from UV-induced lights, damage made to the proteins in photosynthesis II by oxygen, as well as too much heat build-up in the leaves that have denatured the enzymes that are required for photosynthesis to