Measure Photosynthesis and Respiration with Spinach Leaves

The complete experiment can be found in Biology with Vernier , experiment 31c.

Brief

Plants make sugar, storing the energy of the sun into chemical energy, by the process of photosynthesis. When they require energy, they can tap the stored energy in sugar by a process called cellular respiration.

The process of photosynthesis involves the use of light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into sugar, oxygen, and other organic compounds. This process is often summarized by the following reaction:

6H₂O + 6 CO₂ + Light Energy –>C₆H₁₂ + 6 CO₂

Cellular respiration refers to the process of converting the chemical energy of organic molecules into a form immediately usable by organisms. Glucose may be oxidized completely if sufficient oxygen is available by the following equation:

C₆H₁₂ + 6 CO₂–> 6H₂O + 6 CO₂ + Energy

All organisms, including plants and animals, oxidize glucose for energy. Often, this energy is used to convert ADP and phosphate into ATP.

Objectives

In this experiment, you will

• Use an O2 Gas Sensor to measure the amount of oxygen gas consumed or produced by a plant during respiration and photosynthesis.
• Use a CO2 Gas Sensor to measure the amount of carbon dioxide consumed or produced by a plant during respiration and photosynthesis.
• Determine the rate of respiration and photosynthesis of a plant.

Sensors and Equipment

Additional Requirements

You may also need an interface and software for data collection.

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