BRAINCAKEInvestigating the Rate of Photosynthesis
The rate of photosynthesis can be investigated by measuring the rate of oxygen production by an aquatic plant such as Elodea or Cabomba. A simple method counts bubbles, but bubbles vary in size, so a photosynthometer (Audus apparatus) is more accurate.
A cut shoot is placed upside down in a test tube of water containing sodium hydrogencarbonate solution, which supplies carbon dioxide. The tube stands in a water bath to keep the temperature constant. Oxygen collects in the flared end of a capillary tube. After a set time, the gas bubble is drawn along the capillary with a syringe and its length is measured against a scale.
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Key terms in this lesson
- photosynthometer
- An apparatus used to measure the rate of photosynthesis in an aquatic plant from the volume of oxygen gas produced.
More in Energy for Biological Processes
- Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis
- Light Intensity as a Limiting Factor
- Carbon Dioxide Concentration as a Limiting Factor
- Temperature as a Limiting Factor
- Interpreting Limiting Factor Graphs
- Effect of Limiting Factors on the Calvin Cycle
- Uses of Triose Phosphate
- Agricultural Glasshouses and Limiting Factors
All 17 lessons in Energy for Biological Processes · All OCR A-level Biology topics