Liceo de Cagayan University

Senior High School Department

RNP Blvd., Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro
S. Y. 2023-2024

STUDENT ACTIVITY SHEET NO. 6

Subject: General Biology 1
Topic: Photosynthesis
Names: Gerry Luke R. Gaid Date Given: 11/19/2023 ___________
____________________________________ Due Date: 11/19/2023_____________
____________________________________
Introduction
Photosynthesis is a process that converts light energy from the sun into chemical energy stored
in carbohydrate molecules. This process fuels ecosystems and replenishes Earth’s atmosphere
with oxygen. Photosynthetic organisms, called autotrophs such as varying land plants, algae,
and cyanobacteria, produce their own food. Like all enzyme-driven reactions, the rate of
photosynthesis can be measured by either the disappearance of the substrate or the accumulation
of products. The equation for photosynthesis is:

Photosynthesis mostly occurs in the green portions of the plant, which contain chloroplasts. It
uses raw materials such as water and carbon dioxide. Carbon dioxide from the atmosphere enters
leaves through small openings called stomata. After entering a leaf, carbon dioxide and water
diffuse into the chloroplast which is an organelle that carries out photosynthesis. In the
chloroplasts, photosynthesis occurs in two stages. The first stage involves light-dependent
reactions, while the second stage involves light-independent reactions, collectively known as the
Calvin Cycle.
Learning Competencies

● Describe the major features and chemical events in photosynthesis.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this lesson, students should be able to do the following:

● identify the different processes that occur in photosynthesis;

● explain how photosynthesis is affected by the variables in this experiment; and

● measure the rate of photosynthesis of a leaf using uniformly punched disks.

Materials
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) Liquid soap Green leaves
1 plastic syringe with no needle Timer
Hole Puncher / plastic straw Light lamp / drop light (NOT LED light)
2 clear plastic cups / / 2 clear water glasses
Procedure
Preparation of the Bicarbonate Solution
1. Pour water in a clear cup until it is 2/3 filled. Add 1/8 of a teaspoon of baking soda into
the water. This will serve as your 0.2% solution of bicarbonate.
a. What is the baking soda for?
2. Add 1 drop of dilute liquid soap to the bicarbonate solution. Avoid suds. If your solution
has suds, dilute it with more bicarbonate solution.
a. What is the purpose of adding a drop of dilute liquid soap into the solution?
Preparation of the Leaf Disks
3. With your hole puncher, punch 10 or more uniform disks out from the leaves. You may
also use a straw to punch out the holes. When punching the holes, avoid major veins. The
leaves should be smooth but not too thick and these should not be hairy.
Infiltration
4. Remove the plunger of the 10cc syringe, then place the leaf disks into the syringe barrel.
Place the plunger back into the syringe making sure not to crush the disks. Push the
plunger until only a small volume of air and leaf disk remain in the barrel.
5. Aspirate 10cc of the sodium bicarbonate solution through the hub into the syringe.
Suspend the leaf disks by tapping the barrel softly.
6. Block the hub with a finger and pull the plunger towards you. This method creates a
vacuum which allows the bicarbonate solution to infiltrate the air spaces in the leaf
causing the disks to sink. You may alternate pulling and pushing the plunger until the
disks begin to sink.
Measuring the Rate of Photosynthesis
7. Remove the plunger completely and pour the contents unto the clear cup with the
remaining sodium bicarbonate solution. Make sure all the disks have sunk unto the
bottom. For the disks that do otherwise, you may remove these disks from the cup.
8. Place the cup under a light source (droplight or a lamp) and start the timer. After each
minute, record the number of disks that have floated at the top. Continue this until all the
disks have floated.
To double-check if your set-up/procedure is correct, check this video for reference
https://youtu.be/ZnY9_wMZZWI

I- Data and Results

MINUTE NO. OF MINUTE NO. OF MINUTE NO. OF
FLOATING FLOATING FLOATING
DISKS DISKS DISKS
1 0 6 2 11 7
2 0 7 4 12 8
3 0 8 5 13 9
4 0 9 6 14 10
5 1 10 6 15 10

Guide Questions: Answer the following questions.

1. In the procedure, what is the use of the baking soda?
 baking soda is commonly used as a leavening agent. It helps to create a chemical reaction
with acidic ingredients, such as buttermilk or vinegar, producing carbon dioxide gas. This
gas gets trapped in the mixture, causing it to rise and create a light and fluffy texture in
baked goods. Baking soda is often used in recipes like cakes, cookies, and breads to help
them rise and achieve the desired texture.

2. What is the purpose of adding a drop of liquid soap to the solution?

The purpose of adding a drop of liquid soap to a solution is likely to break the surface
tension of the water and allow the materials to spread out or mix evenly. Depending on
the precise nature of the experiment being performed, soap may affect the permeability of
cell membranes or disrupt the surface of leaves to allow a solution to infiltrate more
thoroughly.

3. Why do the disks, from the bottom, eventually rise and float at the top?
When the disks are submerged in a solution and exposed to light, they undergo
photosynthesis and produce oxygen. The oxygen gas accumulates within the leaf disks,
causing them to become buoyant and rise to the top of the solution. As more oxygen is
produced, the disks continue to rise until they eventually float at the surface.

4. What are the factors/ variables that affect the process of photosynthesis based on this
activity?
Light intensity: The rate of photosynthesis is directly influenced by the intensity of light
available. Higher light intensity generally leads to increased photosynthetic activity, up to
a certain point where the plant reaches its maximum capacity.
Carbon dioxide concentration: Carbon dioxide is one of the essential raw materials for
photosynthesis. Increasing the concentration of carbon dioxide can enhance the rate of
photosynthesis, up to a certain optimal level.
Temperature: Photosynthesis is temperature-sensitive, and the rate of the process is
influenced by temperature. Generally, photosynthesis increases with higher temperatures
within a certain range. However, extreme temperatures, either too high or too low, can
inhibit or damage the photosynthetic process.
Water availability: Sufficient water is necessary for photosynthesis to occur. Water is not
only a raw material but also plays a crucial role in maintaining the turgidity and structure
of plant cells. Inadequate water availability can limit the rate of photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll levels: Chlorophyll is the pigment responsible for capturing light energy
during photosynthesis. The amount of chlorophyll present in the plant affects the
efficiency of light absorption and, consequently, the rate of photosynthesis.
These factors interact with each other and can collectively influence the rate and
efficiency of photosynthesis in plants.

5. How do you describe the process of photosynthesis based on this activity?

Baking soda provides carbon dioxide which is essential for photosynthesis.

Liquid soap breaks down the surface tension of water and allows for even spreading.
N/A
The factory variables affecting the photosynthesis process based on this activity could be
light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and water and chlorophyll
levels.
The process of photosynthesis entails a transformation of light energy into chemical
energy through the utilization of carbon dioxide and water to manufacture glucose and
oxygen.
Conclusion:

Baking soda in an experiment like this likely functions as a source of carbon dioxide. It’s
important because carbon dioxide is one of the raw materials needed for plants to
undergo photosynthesis.