Photosynthesis Essay

Module 2 Acquiring Resources-Plant Structures and Photosynthesis

Introduction

In Module 2 Acquiring Resources-Plant structures and Photosynthesis, we examined much of the kingdom plantae. During the examination of this lab we learned how important and necessary photosynthesis is for not only plants but for all the life on this planet. Photosynthesis has a lot going on during it production.

We focused on C3 and C4 plants, both having different processes of photosynthesis. C3 plants get their name because the 3-carbon compound the CO2 was first contained with. The photosynthesis of C3 starts with the 3-carbon compound and the opening of the stomata. Then the enzyme, rubisco, which is involved with photosynthesis and also the uptake of CO2. Then the photosynthesis occurs on the leaf. Just like the C3 the C4 plants get its name from the 4-carbon compound that CO2 was involved with. The C4 also starts with the opening of the stomata but uses the enzyme, PEP carboxylase, which allows CO2 to be quickly taken in by the plant. This allows the CO2 to be delivered to the rubisco to start the photosynthesis. The photosynthesis for C4 plants starts in the inner cells. C4 plants photosynthesize under high light and temperatures faster because as I mention the CO2 is directly delivered to the rubisco. Being directly delivered gives no chance for it to gather oxygen and go through photorespiration. C3 plants are the opposite, they are more effected under wet and cool conditions with normal lighting. This process requires fewer enzymes. (Types of Photosynthesis)

For this experiment our objectives were: “1) Use O2 sensor to measure the amount of oxygen gas consumed or produced by a plant during respiration and photosynthesis. 2) Use CO2 gas senso...

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...be this data was incorrect.

In module 2 the stated hypothesis; “The rate of photosynthesis will be influenced by the type of plant examined given the different types of carbon fixation. The greatest rate of decrease of CO2 in the chamber will indicated which plant has the best rate of photosynthesis.”(Module 2) The data collected backs up this hypothesis because the C4 plants had the greatest decrease in CO2 over the C3. “Stated in a research article that the increase in global mean air temperature near the surface, once equilibrium has been restored following an abrupt doubling of atmospheric CO2 concentration.” (Caldeira, K., Myhrvold, N.P.) This is important for C4 plants that can lead to more production of C4 plants. Today zea mays (corn) is one of the most abundant crops we have, with CO2 continuing to increase maybe that is why the production is so abundant.