2.

0 Empower

Title : Measuring The Photosynthesis Rate : Using An Oxygen Sensor

2.1 Introduction

Photosynthesis provides food for most plant life on earth. This process uses the energy
from light to turn carbon dioxide (CO2) and water into carbohydrates and generates oxygen
which is released into the atmosphere. Light, the energy source for this process is absorbed
by pigments in photosynthetic organisms.

Under optimal conditions of carbon dioxide concentrations and temperature, the rate of
photosynthesis depends on the light intensity absorbed by the photosynthetic parts of the
organism. Light intensity at different distances from a light source is inversely proportional
to the square of the distance.

𝟏
𝑰=
𝒓𝟐

Where:

I = The light intensity.

r = The distance from the light source.

In this experiment the light intensity is modified by placing the light source at different
distances from the experimental system

2.2 Equipment

• MiLAB and einstein™LabMate

• Oxygen Sensor

• Light Sensor (triple range)

• 20 g of fresh Elodea

• Bright light source (e.g. 150 W Halogen lamp)

• 250 ml transparent glass Erlenmeyer flask

• Stopper with a hole in it that fits the Oxygen Sensor or a stopper with a hole and
modeling clay (Optional – two holes, one for a Temperature Sensor).

• About 1 liter of tap water

• Magnetic stirrer and stir bar

• One liter flat water bottle (glass or plastic) or tissue culture bottle (heat filter)

• Optional Temperature Sensor (-40 °C to 140 °C)

2.3 Equipment Setup

1. Launch MiLAB ( ).
2. Connect the Oxygen (DO2) Sensor, the Light Sensor and the Temperature Sensor to
ports on the einstein™ Tablet or einstein™ LabMate.

3. Assemble the equipment as illustrated in Figure 1.

 a. The system consists of a 250 ml transparent glass Erlenmeyer flask, containing tap
water and fresh Elodea (about 20 g) with a stir bar in the flask.

b. The flask is placed on a magnetic stirrer. Using the stand, carefully place the
Oxygen Sensor electrode in the flask, near to the stir bar at the bottom. (Optional
– a Temperature Sensor can be placed in the flask).

c. The Erlenmeyer flask must be totally sealed to prevent oxygen leakage. For more
information on sealing see: Sealing

d. The Light Sensor is placed near the flask to measure the level of light to which the
Elodea is exposed.

e. Use a 150 Watt reflection lamp as a light source. Place it 25 cm from the flasks.

f. In order to prevent heating the flask, a flat 1 liter water bottle is placed between the
light source and the flask.

4. In the Current Setup Summary window choose Full Setup and use the table below to set
up the experiment. Make sure that only the Oxygen, Light and Temperature Sensors are
selected under Measurements.

2.4 Procedure

1. Tap Run ( ) to begin recording data.

2. Switch on the light and begin stirring and observe the oxygen (DO2)
concentration level.

3. Tap Stop ( ) to stop collecting data.

4. Save your data by tapping Save ( ).

2.5 Result and Data Analysis

1. Check the rate of change of the DO2 level by selecting one point at the beginning of the
graph and one point at the end of the graph. Then select Linear fit from the Function
dropdown menu. The fit equation will be displayed below the x-axis.
 Oxygen DO2 mg/L

Rate: 10.756 Every 1 Sec

Duration : 2450 5000 Sec
Light (0-150Klux)
Rate: 550 Every 1 Sec
Duration : 2450 5000 Sec
Temperature (-40°C to 140°C)
Rate: 82.5 Every 1 Sec
Duration : 2450 5000 Sec

2.3 Graph

An example of the graph obtained in this experiment is shown below:

 2.4 Question

1. How is light intensity modified in this experiment?

The light intensity is modified in this experiment by increase the rate of intensity

2. Describe the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis.

The amount of light will affect the rate of photosynthesis. If there is no light, there will be
no photosynthesis. As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis will increase as
long as other factors are in adequate supply. As the rate increases, eventually another factor
will come into short supply

3. Does the rate depend on light intensity in the whole range of intensities examined?
Yes, the rate depends on light intensity in the whole range of intensities examined. It is
because any change in the level of a limiting factor will affect the rate of reaction.

4. Define the range of intensities in which light is a limiting factor.

The range of intensities in which light is a limiting factors absorbs energy most efficiently
at 700 nm and PSII at 680 nm. Light with a higher proportion of energy concentrated in
these wavelengths will produce a higher rate of photosynthesis.

5. What can be the effect of a temperature rise in the Erlenmeyer flask during the experiment?
When the temperature rise in the Erlenmeyer flask during the experiment light dependent
reactions of photosynthesis are not affected. Because it will not affect by any changes in
temperature. the light independent reactions of photosynthesis are dependent on
temperature. They are reactions catalyzed by enzymes. As the enzymes approach their
optimum temperatures the overall rate increases. It approximately doubles for every 10 °C
increase in temperature. Above the optimum temperature the rate begins to decrease, as
enzymes are denatured, until it stops.
 2.5 Conclusion

As a conclusion the rate of photosynthesis is depends on the limiting factors. Which is the
main factors affecting rate of photosynthesis are light intensity, carbon dioxide
concentration and temperature. As the light intensity increases, the rate of
photosynthesis increases. However, the rate will not increase beyond a certain level of light
intensity.

5.0 Conclusion

From the whole experiment by using data logger it will be easier for us to collect the accurate data
and it will reduce the error of reading if we compared to the manual way because each of these
experiments are quick and easy to set up. Then, by using this device we can generate data into the
graph directly. Besides time intervals for collecting data can be very frequent and regular, for
example hundreds of measurements per second can be collected at the same time. By using these
kind of device students can increase the skills on handling the equipment and give an experience
to them. It is very important because it help students to increase their understanding on the
experiment due to the accurate data logging.

Effect of Light intensity on the rate of Photosynthesis. Retrieved from march 24, 2018. http://biology-
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