Cell Biology: Photosynthesis and Oxygen Production

Photosynthesis

In this activity, students have direct experience with the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.
Learn more

Plant Respiration

Explore the cycle of carbon dioxide gas as a plant undergoes cellular respiration in darkness and cellular respiration and photosynthesis in bright light. Learn more

See real-time evidence that light causes photosynthesis to occur!

Lab Summary:

Photosynthesis, though one of the most fundamental processes of life, is challenging for students to comprehend at the biochemical level. The “light” and “dark” reactions of photosynthesis are complex and difficult to understand.

In this activity, students have direct experience with the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis. Students will create a closed system of elodea plants in water. They will shine light on the system and observe that the concentration of dissolved oxygen increases almost immediately after the light is turned on, and it begins dropping almost immediately after light is removed.

They will also see indirect evidence of plant respiration as they observe the drop in concentration of dissolved oxygen when light is removed from the system.

Download free labs:

(student versions)

Xplorer GLX-based lab (PDF, 844 KB)

Computer-based lab (PDF, 556 KB)

Method:

Use the Dissolved Oxygen Sensor to observe that the concentration of dissolved oxygen increases and decreases in response to the presence or absence of light in the process of photosynthesis.

Here's What You Need:

Required for Xplorer GLX-based lab:

(See lab download for computer-based lab requirements, which may differ)

Probeware

• PASPORT Dissolved Oxygen Sensor (PS-2108)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Photosynthesis Tank (PS-2521A)
• Magnetic Stirrer (SE-7700)
• Opaque cloth
• Elodea (or equivalent aquatic plant)
• 100 Watt lamp
• Water
• Ice (optional)

Lab Manual:

The Xplorer GLX-based lab is included in Biology with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2820). The computer-based activity is included in Explorations in Biology (PS-2807). Both manuals are complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data.

For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware for the activities in the manual. For more, please see:
Xplorer GLX-based Biology Lab Manual and Bundles
Computer-based Biology Lab Manual and Bundles

Students will see that plants undergo both cellular respiration and photosynthesis

Lab Summary:

Explore the cycle of carbon dioxide gas as a plant undergoes cellular respiration in darkness and cellular respiration and photosynthesis in bright light.

Challenge students to explain why C0₂ levels increase.

Download Free Lab  (PDF, 1.4 MB)

(student version)

Method:

Use a Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensor to measure the carbon dioxide gas production of a plant in darkness and then in bright light.

Here's What You Need:

Probeware

• PASPORT Carbon Dioxide Gas Sensor (PS-2110)
• PASPORT Extension Cable (PS-2500)
• Xplorer GLX Graphing Datalogger (PS-2002)
  
   (or alternate PASPORT interface -- see other options)

Other Materials

• Sampling Bottle with sensor
• Box, Cardboard
• Cloth, Opaque
• Lamp, 100 W or equivalent
• Mint Plant, Small
• Water, 50 mL

Lab Manual:

This activity is included in Biology with the Xplorer GLX (PS-2820), complete with Teacher Information pages, student instructions and handouts, and sample data for a total of 20 probeware-based labs. For your convenience, we offer bundles which provide the probeware necessary for the activities in the manual. For more information on these resources and bundles, click here.