Photosynthesis - Lab Report Example

Leaf discs used in this experiment have chloroplasts and contain the green coloring matter, chlorophyll; therefore photosynthesis takes place in the given leaves under favorable conditions. In this experiment, effects of different colors of light on the rate of photosynthesis will be investigated. The experiment will determine the effects of blue and green light on the rate of photosynthesis in leaf discs of English ivy (Hedera Helix). Energy levels recorded in different colors (wavelengths) of light and absorption of light by a leaf are correlated to the rate of photosynthesis.

Blue light has been identified to have a higher absorbance by pigments of photosynthesis in plants and it also has a higher energy wavelength compared to green light. Therefore, leaf disks of English ivy placed in blue light will be expected to have a higher rate of photosynthesis compared to leaf disks of English ivy placed in green light. In the first experiment, we measured the rate of photosynthesis under blue and green lights. For each sample, the rate of photosynthesis was monitored to demonstrate that each color had an effect on the rate with which the discs of English ivy will photosynthesize.

Discs under the green light photosynthesized faster than leaf discs under the blue light in this first experiment. Results obtained were believed not to be correct since photosynthesis is supposed to be faster under the blue light. A possible explanation for these results could be that the foils that were used to cover the beakers could have reflected some light therefore making leaf discs under green light to photosynthesize faster compared to those under blue light. A second experiment was conducted since data obtained from the first experiment was not accurate according to hypothesis.

Only two beakers were used, one for green light and the other for blue light. The beakers were covered by green and blue circular filters.