1. In the experiment, there were 3 setups. What were these experimental setup?

What was treated in each setup (except control)?

-In the photosynthesis lab house experiment, there were three setups: control, treatment
placed under light condition, and treatment placed under dark condition. The setups
were composed of water, a gram of baking soda (which is also the controlled variable),
detergent, and leaf chads or leaf disks. The independent variable in this experiment was
the amount of light whilst the dependent variable was the amount of leaf disks or leaf
chads that floated and also the time it took to float. The setup that was placed under light
condition was used to test the rate of photosynthesis. Since all of the main ingredients
that are needed for the photosynthesis to take place are present in this set-up, naturally,
photosynthesis would occur. As photosynthesis occurs, oxygen is released into the
interior of the leaf which changes the buoyancy, which causes the chads or disks to rise.
On the other hand, the set-up that was placed under dark condition was used to
determine the rate of cellular respiration. As there is no light available, photosynthesis
does not occur in this set-up. Hence, the leaf chads cannot rise to the top of the beaker
and would eventually sink. Respiration, however, continues even in the dark so, the
disks will use the accumulated oxygen gas and will also produce carbon dioxide.

2. Describe your results by comparing your setups including control.

-Upon experimenting, I have perceived that the presence of light has affected the rate of
photosynthesis. I have observed that the plastic cup that I placed in the closet had no
leaf disks floating, while the other plastic cup set in a place where there is light had leaf
disks floating on it. The reason for this is because the light is essential for
photosynthesis to occur. As time passes, the number of floating leaf disks in the plastic
cup that I placed under the light slowly increases compared to the plastic cup placed in
the closet, which still had none. Additionally, the number of the floating leaf disks in the
plastic cup placed under the light floated at a steady rate until all of the leaf disks have
risen unto the water's surface. From our previous knowledge, we know that light is
needed for photosynthesis to occur. Hence, upon observing the experiment, I postulated
that the leaf disks in the plastic cup placed in the dark did not float due to the lack of
light. While the leaf disks placed in the dark may have water and carbon dioxide, they
still lack light. The leaf disks placed on the other plastic cup had light, carbon dioxide,
and water. Hence, it explains why the leaf disks in that cup floated.
3. What are the factors that affect photosynthesis?
-There are a total of three main variables that affect photosynthesis. These are the light,
carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. One of these three factors, in any given
situation, may become a limiting factor. This means that it can directly affect the rate at
which photosynthesis can take place and can mask the effect of other factors.

[Light is a vital factor in photosynthesis to provide energy for the synthesis of glucose
from carbon dioxide and water. Without light, the entire process would not be possible.
A plant cannot photosynthesize too, if there is an insufficient amount of carbon dioxide.
In terms of temperature, if it gets too cold, the rate of photosynthesis will decrease.
Plants cannot photosynthesise if it gets too hot.

In any given situation any one of these may become a limiting factor, in other words the
factors that directly affect the rate at which photosynthesis can take place masking the
effects of the other factors.]

4. Compare C3, C4, and CAM plants. Best shown in table.

C3 plants
-leaf anatomy: has
mesophyll but with no
distinct bundle sheath
-carboxylating enzyme:
Rubisco
-On dry, hot days, C3
plants close their stomata,
conserving water. Oxygen
from the light reactions
builds up. In
photorespiration, O2
substitutes for CO2 in the
active site of rubisco.
This process consumes
organic fuel and releases
CO2 without producing
ATP or carbohydrate.
Photorespiration may be
an evolutionary relic, and it
may play a photoprotective
role.
-Examples: Rice, wheat,
and soybeans
-
C4 plants
-leaf anatomy: there are
two distinct
types of photosynthetic
cells: bundle-sheath cells
and mesophyll cells.
-carboxylating enzyme:
PEP carboxylase and
Rubisco
-C4 plants minimize the
cost of photorespiration by
incorporating CO2 into
four-carbon compounds in
mesophyll cells. These
compounds are exported to from the organic acids for
bundle-sheath cells, where
they release carbon
dioxide for use in the
Calvin cycle.
-Examples: corn,
sorghum, sugarcane,
millet, and switchgrass
CAM plants
-leaf anatomy: with large
vacuoles
-carboxylating enzyme:
CO2 (morning)
RuBP (night) -> 3-PGA
-CAM plants open their
stomata at night,
incorporating CO2
into organic acids, which
are stored in mesophyll
cells. During
the day, the stomata close,
and the CO2 is released
use in the Calvin cycle.
-Examples: cactus,
pineapple, orchids