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2.9 Photosynthesis

IB Syllabus Statements

Understandings:

  • Photosynthesis is the production of carbon compounds in cells using light energy.

  • Visible light has a range of wavelengths with violet the shortest wavelength and red the longest.

  • Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue light most effectively and reflects green light more than other colours.

  • Oxygen is produced in photosynthesis from the photolysis of water.

  • Energy is needed to produce carbohydrates and other carbon compounds from carbon dioxide.

  • Temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration are possible limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis.

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Applications and skills:

  • Application: Changes to the Earth’s atmosphere, oceans and rock deposition due to photosynthesis.

  • Skill: Drawing an absorption spectrum for chlorophyll and an action spectrum for photosynthesis.

  • Skill: Design of experiments to investigate the effect of limiting factors on photosynthesis.

  • Skill: Separation of photosynthetic pigments by chromatograph. (Practical 4)

Videos

Photosynthesis Part 1 Intro

Action vs Absorption Spectrum

Controlling Limiting Factors

Measuring Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis and the Atmosphere

Chromatography

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Topic 2.9 Photosynthesis SSaQ (Syllabus Statement as Questions)

  • Define photosynthesis.

  • Outline the colors of light in visible light from the shortest (400 nm) to the longest wavelengths (700 nm). Note: intermediate wavelength are not needed

  • Outline the colors absorbed and reflected by chlorophyll.

  • Outline how oxygen is produced during photosynthesis.

  • Explain why carbon dioxide and energy is required for photosynthesis to occur.

  • List three factors that are possible limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis. Sketch graphs to show their effects.

  • Outline how photosynthesis can affect the following aspects: Earth’s atmosphere, oceans, rock deposition

  • Draw an absorption spectrum for chlorophyll.

  • Draw an action spectrum for photosynthesis. Explain the features of the spectrum that you would expect.

  • Compare and explain the differences between the absorption and action spectrums for chlorophyll and photosynthesis.

  • Outline an experimental protocol for investigating a factor that affects photosynthesis. Note: water free of carbon dioxide can be produced by boiling and cooling water

  • Explain how chromatography can be used to separate photosynthetic pigments.

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