Problem Statement: Pat was swimming, when she noticed that the water at the surface was warmer

than the
water below which was cooler. She also noticed that more aquatic plants were found growing towards the
surface of the water. Plan and design an experiment to determine the rate of photosynthesis under the water.
Title: Photosynthesis
Hypothesis: As the temperature increases the photosynthetic rate will also increase but only up to a certain
point, its optimum temperature. The rate will decrease after that, because of denatured enzymes.
Aim: To determine whether or not, that, as the temperature increases the rate of photosynthesis also increases
up to its optimum temperature then decreases.
Introduction: In this experiment, the relationship between the photosynthesis rate and temperature on Elodea is
investigated. Photosynthesis is the chemical change by which plants use carbon dioxide and water, with the aid
of sunlight, to make glucose and oxygen.

The equation for photosynthesis is as follows:

Carbon dioxide + water ->glucose + oxygen

Photosynthesis is a vital process in the production of energy, occurring in the leaves of most plants. It allows
them to convert light energy into chemical energy. This information is quite useful knowledge for farmers as in
order to grow their crops they need the optimum temperature for photosynthesis. There are three main limiting
factors: light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature. As shown by the equation, it is necessary
that a plant have carbon dioxide in order to photosynthesize, as well as light for growth. It is yet known,
however, if an increase in temperature has a positive or negative impact on photosynthesis. Rate is the change
occurring over time.

Apparatus/Materials:

1. Garden scissors
2. Pondweed – Elodea
3. Delivery Tube
4. Retort Stand
5. Distilled Water
6. Stopwatch
7. Thermometer
8. Gas Syringe
9. Erlenmeyer flask
10. 50mL Measuring cylinder
11. Stopper
12. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate(Baking Soda)
13. Analytical Balance
Method:

1. Using a garden scissors, cut 4 pieces of Elodea by 5cm.

2. Measure 50cm3 of water using a measuring cylinder, and add it to the conical flask.
3. Measure 0.2g of NaHCO3 using a balance and add it to the water, while swirling the flask.
4. Place the 4 pieces of the plant into the conical flask containing the water and NaHCO3 solution.
5. Place the conical flask into a water bath so that the temperature can be adjusted.
6. Stopper the conical flask and attach a delivery tube onto the stopper.
7. To the delivery tube attach a gas syringe to measure the amount of oxygen released.
8. Place a thermometer into the water bath.
9. Start a stop watch as soon as the correct temperature is obtained.
10. Record the volume of oxygen gas released for every 5 minute by pulling the syringe slightly until air
bubbles released by the Elodea appear in the gas syringe for measurement.
11. Repeat the reading 5 times for each of the 5 different temperatures. (250C, 350C, 450C, 550C, and 650C)

Diagram:

Variables:
Independent Variables: Temperature of the water.
Dependent Variables: Volume of Gas released.
Controlled Variables: Size of the plant, Volume of water, Mass of NaHCO3 used.
Treatment of Data:

Photosynthetic rate (mm3)

Temperature (0C) 250C 350C 450C 550C 650C
Trail 1
Trial 2
Trail 3
Trial 4
Trial 5
Average Volume of gas released (mm3/min)
TABLE SHOWING THE RESULTS FROM THE EXPERIMENT

Graph: Plot a graph with the average volume of gas released on the x axis and the temperature of the y axis.

Expected Results:
Although the light dependent reactions of photosynthesis will not be affected by changes in temperature, the
light independent reactions of photosynthesis will be dependent on temperature. They are reactions catalyzed by
enzymes. As the enzymes approach their optimum temperatures the overall rate will increase. Above the
optimum temperature the rate will begin to decrease, as enzymes are denatured, until it stops.
The higher the temperature, the greater the rate of photosynthesis, photosynthesis is a chemical reaction and the
rate of most chemical reactions increases with temperature. However, for photosynthesis at temperatures above
40°C the rate will slow down. This is because the enzymes involved in the chemical reactions of photosynthesis
are temperature sensitive and will be destroyed at higher temperatures.
To better understand the effects of temperature on photosynthesis it is important to know the effect of
temperature on the enzymes involved in photosynthesis. Enzymes are affected a great deal by temperature. If
the temperature is too cold the enzymes will move around too slowly to meet the substrate and for a reaction to
occur. As the temperature increases though, so does the rate of reaction. This is because heat energy causes
more collisions between the enzyme and the substrate. However, all enzymes are proteins and at too high
temperatures the proteins break down. The active site of the enzyme will become distorted and so the substrate
will no longer fit and hence the reaction will not occur. It can be said that the enzyme has been denatured.

Precaution:
1. The capillary tube and the conical flask can be very fragile and breaks easily so take care whilst
handling the glass.

Limitation:
1. The amount of light in the environment may vary, which can affect the experiment.

Assumption:
1. As the temperature increase the number of bubbles will also increase up to a certain point then it will
decrease afterwards