How Does Wavelength Affect The Rate Of Photosynthesis

When light energy is converted into chemical energy due to the presence of chloroplast, the specialised cell structure found in plants, can be described as photosynthesis. During the day, the input includes carbon dioxide, water, and light, whilst the output consists of glucose and oxygen (Encarta Encyclopaedia 2000). At night, photosynthesis stops and plant-cells consume oxygen as animal cells. Photosynthesis is the process in which plants, algae and photosynthetic bacteria converts sunlight into chemical energy through the absorption of wavelengths. The processes of photosynthesis occur in two stages of Light reaction (Light dependent) and Dark reaction (Light independent). Light reaction results in a series of electron transfers resulting

The independent factor that will be tested is effect of different wavelengths on the rate of photosynthesis. Wavelength, in particular, is extremely vital because without the suitable wavelength a plant cannot photosynthesise. As a result of the suitable wavelength, the chloroplast is able to convert light energy into chemical energy at a faster rate. The rate of carbon dioxide uptake by the algae balls is used to measure the rate of photosynthesis. The alginate is porous allowing for constant exchanges of gases. The use of hydrogen carbonate indicator changes the color in response to changes in CO2 concentration and the pH of the solution. CO2 dissolved in water forms carbonic acid, which will lower pH. As dissolved CO2 increases and pH falls, the color of the solution changes. Respiration will produce CO2, while photosynthesis will take it up. Therefore, when the rate of photosynthesis is greater than the rate of respiration, the CO2, concentration will decrease, and pH will increase. Under these conditions, the color of the indicator will change. Through these methods, the effect of varying wavelengths on the photosynthetic rates of algae are