Question

How can you measure the rate at which photosynthesis occurs?

A) Measure the uptake of carbon dioxide since photosynthesis consumes CO2.
B) Measure the output of carbon dioxide since photosynthesis releases CO2.

Answer 1

-The rate of photosynthesis can be measured by looking at the formation of products or the consumption of reactants.

-Formation of products

-Oxygen production: The more oxygen given off, the higher the rate of photosynthesis.

-Increase in pH: Due to increasing carbon dioxide.

-Increase in biomass

-Consumption of reactants

-Carbon dioxide uptake: Since CO2 is needed for photosynthesis.

-Other methods for measuring photosynthesis include:

-Production of carbohydrates

-Increase in dry mass

Answer 2

The rate at which photosynthesis occurs can be measured by monitoring the uptake of carbon dioxide (CO2), measuring the production of oxygen (O2), and assessing the net photosynthetic production rate (NPP) or growth rate (G). Photosynthesis consumes CO2, contrary to the statement that it releases CO2.

Step-by-step explanation:

To measure the rate at which photosynthesis occurs, one could:

• Measure the uptake of carbon dioxide since photosynthesis consumes CO₂. This method involves monitoring the decrease in CO₂ levels in the surrounding environment as the plant assimilates carbon for carbohydrate production.
• Measure the production of oxygen, as photosynthesis results in the release of O₂. This can be done by capturing the oxygen released by the plant and measuring its volume or concentration.
• Assess changes in biomass or the net photosynthetic production rate (NPP), which is the difference between carbon fixation by photosynthesis and the respiration rate. The growth rate (G) of plants also reflects the fixed carbon converted into biomass.

However, the statement that photosynthesis releases CO₂ is incorrect; photosynthesis consumes CO₂ and produces O₂, while cellular respiration is the process that consumes O₂ and releases CO₂, thus maintaining balance in the carbon cycle.