In article <6aqhv0$flt$1 at rockcake.bt.net>, John <ibermax_ltd at lineone.net>
wrote:
> Could someone please send me a lot of information about why
> chlorophyll a is important in photosynthesis. If possible, could you send
> a write-up of an experiment investigatings the rate of photosynthesis (at
> A-level standard). Thank you for your help John Richards
>ibermax_ltd at lineone.net
Chlorophyll a is a light harvesting pigment. It is found in the attenae of
the photosystems in plants, algae, and cyanobacteria. Chl a absorbs light
in the blue and red regions of the spectrum. To measure the rate of plant
photosynthesis one generally measures the rate of oxygen evolution. This
is done with potentiometric measurements using a Clark-type oxygen
electrode. Another way to measure oxygen evolution is simply to measure
the amount of gas given off by a submerged plant like Elodea. There are
sites on the web where you can find more information about
photosynthesis. I suggest the Society of Photobiology site or the center
at Arizona State University.
Cheers,
Dr. Mark.
