2.

0
LEAF STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION

2.5 Compensation Point

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.0 Leaf structure and function

Learning Standard 2.5.1

 Pupils are able to describe compensation point.

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.5 Compensation Point 2.0 Leaf structure and function

Compensation point
The level of light intensity when
the
rate of respiration
= rate of photosynthesis
At this point,
the rate of carbon dioxide release
= the rate of carbon dioxide uptake

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.5 Compensation Point 2.0 Leaf structure and function
Compensation point
At night Low light intensity High light
intensity
O2 O2
Respiration
Respiration

O2 CO2 O2 CO2
Respiration
Photosynthesis Photosynthesis

CO2 CO2

Rate of respiration Rate of respiration Rate of photosynthesis

> rate of photosynthesis = rate of photosynthesis > rate of respiration

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.0 Leaf structure and function

Learning Standard 2.5.2

 Pupils are able to

compare and contrast
photosynthesis and
cellular respiration in
plants.

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.5 Compensation Point 2.0 Leaf structure and function
Photosynthesis & cellular respiration in plants - Comparison

Similarities ? Cellular
Photosynthesis
respiration in
in plants Differences ? plants

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.5 Compensation Point 2.0 Leaf structure and function

Photosynthesis & cellular respiration in plants - Comparison

Similarities:
Photosynthesis Cellular respiration

• Both processes take place in all plants.

• Both processes involve the uptake and release of gases.

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.5 Compensation Point
Photosynthesis & cellular respiration in plants - Comparison
Differences:
Photosynthesis
1) Occurs in all green plants.
2) Happens in the cells that
contains chlorophyll.
3) Type of metabolic reaction:
Anabolism.
KSSM Biology Form 5
2.0 Leaf structure and function
Cellular respiration
1) Occurs in all living organisms
(plants and animals).
2) Happens in all cells.
3) Type of metabolic reaction :
Catabolism.
 2.5 Compensation Point
Photosynthesis & cellular respiration in plants - Comparison
Differences:
Photosynthesis
4) Takes place in the
chloroplasts.
5) Raw materials: Carbon
dioxide & water.
6) Products: Glucose & oxygen.
7) Light energy is needed.
KSSM Biology Form 5
2.0 Leaf structure and function
Cellular respiration
4) Takes place in the mitochondria.
5) Raw materials: Glucose &
oxygen. .
6) Products: Carbon dioxide, water
and energy.
7) Light energy is not needed.
 2.0 Leaf structure and function

Learning Standard 2.5.3

 Pupils are able to analyse light intensity and

attainment of compensation point using a graph.

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.0 Leaf structure and function
Light
2.5 Compensation Point intensity and compensation point

Compensation Rate of photosynthesis

uptake of CO2
Increasing point > rate of respiration
Net gain in sugars
release of CO2

Rate of respiration
Increasing

> rate of photosynthesis

Net loss in sugars

Low High
Increasing light intensity
KSSM Biology Form 5
 2.0 Leaf structure and function

Learning Standard 2.5.4

 Pupils are able to predict the effect on plant growth if the rate
of photosynthesis and the rate of cellular respiration remain
at its compensation point.

KSSM Biology Form 5

 2.5 Compensation Point 2.0 Leaf structure and function

If the rate of photosynthesis and the rate of cellular respiration

remain at its compensation point?

1) The rate or glucose usage is the same as the rate of production

of glucose.
2) The plants would not be able to store food.
3) No excess sugars can be used for growth and other vital living
processes.
4) No excess oxygen can be released into the atmosphere to
sustain other living organisms.

KSSM Biology Form 5