Discuss The Effects That Varying Light Intensities Have On Photosynthesis

This study examines the effects that varying light intensities have on photosynthesis in the aquatic plant, Elodea Densa. Photosynthesis takes place in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria that capture the light energy in sunlight which will later be used to convert CO2 and water into oxygen and glucose. The carbohydrate glucose helps build leaves, flowers, seeds, and can be converted to cellulose that is used for structural support in the cell wall of plants. Photosynthesis occurs in chloroplast when CO2 from the air diffuses to chlorophyll cells through the stomata. Pigments are capable of absorbing light energy for photosynthesis however light that scattered or reflected are not able to be collected by the pigment (Marrè et al., 1989). Photosynthesis provides all animals with the majority of oxygen needed to breathe and in return animals exhale CO2 necessary for plant survival.

Cellular respiration refers to the process of breaking down glucose to produce CO2, water, and energy. The energy produced by cellular respiration will be used to create ATP and heat. For on molecule of glucose there are approximately 36 ATP molecules produced. Biologists consider ATP to be the universal cellular energy source since the human body converts the energy that comes from water, glucose, and air into ATP. Photosynthesis removes CO2 from the air and releases oxygen to the atmosphere. Cellular respiration turns oxygen and glucose into energy and the waste product is CO2. Photosynthesis and CO2 for a cycle and depend on one another for survival. As light intensity increases photosynthesis will also increase since there are more ATP and NADPH created therefore as light intensity decreases photosynthesis will also decrease. Photosynthesis is affected by light, water, and CO2 which so an increase in light will no increase photosynthesis if there is not enough water or CO2 (Sharkey,