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    • 7. Nucleic acids >
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  • BISV Revision
  • Giving back - BioKQQAnswers

Essential idea: Photosynthesis uses the energy in sunlight to produce the chemical energy needed for life.

Above is an microscope image of leaf cells. You can clearly see the cells are packed with chloroplasts. These specialised organelles contain chlorophyll (and other pigments) which trap light energy and use it to build glucose molecules.

Understandings, Applications and skills

2.9.U1 Photosynthesis is the production of carbon compounds in cells using light energy.
2.9.U2 Visible light has a range of wavelengths with violet the shortest wavelength and red the longest.
2.9.U3 Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light most effectively and reflects green light more than other colours. [Students should know that visible light has wavelengths between 400 and 700 nanometres, but they are not expected to recall the wavelengths of specific colours of light.]
2.9.U4 Oxygen is produced in photosynthesis from the photolysis of water.
2.9.U5 Energy is needed to produce carbohydrates and other carbon compounds from carbon dioxide.
2.9.U6 Temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration are possible limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis.
2.9.A1 Changes to the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and rock deposition due to photosynthesis.
2.9.S1 Drawing an absorption spectrum for chlorophyll and an action spectrum for photosynthesis.
2.9.S2 Design of experiments to investigate the effect of limiting factors on photosynthesis. [Water free of dissolved carbon dioxide for photosynthesis experiments can be produced by boiling and cooling water.]
2.9.S3 Separation of photosynthetic pigments by chromatograph. (Practical 4) [Paper chromatography can be used to separate photosynthetic pigments but thin layer chromatography gives better results.]
[Text in square brackets indicates guidance notes]

Starter

A bit of fun - a rap about photosynthesis by US High school students studying Biology


Presentation and notes

The presentation is designed to help your understanding. The notes outline is intended to be used as a framework for the development of student notes to aid revision. 


Vocabulary

Correct use of terminology is a key skill in Biology. It is essential to use key terms correctly when communicating your understanding, particularly in assessments. Use the quizlet flashcards or other tools such as learn, scatter, space race, speller and test to help you master the vocabulary.
Below are the notes for this topic. Alternatively the 2.9 Photosynthesis notes - the bottom line template can be used as a note construction template in itself or as a checklist if you are using your own or another template such as the Cornell style template.


Photosynthesis investigations

Possible resources and ideas include:
Investigating photosynthesis with leaf discs by Science and Plants for Schools
(the below video gives helpful setup hints for the leaf disc protocol)
'Algal balls' - Photosynthesis using algae wrapped in jelly balls by Science and Plants for Schools
investigating factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis by Practical Biology
Exploring the rate of photosynthesis by Biology Corner
Investigating photosynthesis and respiration using a carbon dioxide probe by
Science and Plants for Schools
Demonstrating oxygen evolution during photosynthesis using Cabomba pondweed by Science and Plants for Schools


Quick quiz

Quick quiz Use the BioK Quick Quiz on 2.8 Photosynthesis (as directed) to check your understanding of the topic.

Weblinks

Absorption and action spectra
Pigments and the absorption of light by S-Cool

Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis by Biocoach
Photosynthesis by the University of Alberta

Virtual labs
Photosynthesis by McGraw and Hill shows the Generation of ATP by the light dependent reactions
Photosynthesis Virtual Experiment by Reading University
Which colours of light are most important for photosynthesis by Glencoe
Plant pigments and photosynthesis by LabBench

Nature of science

Experimental design—controlling relevant variables in photosynthesis experiments is essential. (3.1) [Related to 2.9.S2, covered in the presentation]
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