Waterweed Simulation

Introduction: In this simulation, you will be looking at the production of carbon dioxide as a plant (the waterweed) photosynthesizes. Carbon dioxide is measured in the number of bubbles produced by the plant. Three factors that influence the rate of photosynthesis can be adjusted in the simulator to determine how each of the factors affects the rate of photosynthesis.

Go to www.biologycorner.com >> bio2 >> Plants >> Waterweed Simulator
http://www.cambridgeassessment.org.uk/ca/Spotlight/Detail/Simulation_-_Water_Weed

Affect of Light Color on the Rate of Photosynthesis

Set the simulator to 6.0 Light Level, and 6.0 CO2 Level. Adjust the colors to complete the table.

Affect of Light Level on Photosynthesis

Set the simulator to colorless light and CO2 level to 6.0. Make adjustments to the level of light to complete the data table.

Affect of CO2 Level on Photosynthesis

Develop an experiment to test how the level of CO2 affects the rate of photosynthesis. Construct a data table in the space below that shows the data you collected. Make sure to include information such as the color of light, light intensity, level of CO2 and the amount of bubbles produced. (Use the previous experiments as a guide)

Data Table

3. Based on the data, what level of CO2 results in the fastest rate of photosynthesis? _________________

ANALYSIS

4. Based on the simulation experiments, what factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis in a plant?

5. Write the equation for photosynthesis (use your book or online resources if you don't know it).

6. What are the bubbles you are measuring in this lab? Why do the bubbles tell you how fast photosynthesis is occurring?

7. Why is it important that you keep two variables constant (such as light level and color) while you're testing how a third variable (CO2 Level) affects photosynthesis?

8. What settings can you put the simulator on to get the MAXIMUM rate of photosynthesis?