| Explore | Background: The rate of photosynthesis is influenced by temperature. Spinach is known to be a cool weather crop. Spinach grows the best when temperatures range between 16 degrees C and 18 degrees C. If the temperature is too cold enzymes will mover slowly to their substrate and the reaction will occur slower. Because winter spinach is a cold tolerant plant, it can also grow well in low temperatures. Usually the higher the temperature, the greater the rate of photosynthesis (due to increased collisions with enzyme and substrate). However, if the temperature is too high, the rate of photosynthesis can decrease. Enzymes involved are sensitive and can denature the active site, which can inhibit proteins' ability to work. CO2 fixation decreases by moderately high temperature stress. The decrease CO2 from inorganic compounds to organic compounds is associated with the inhibition of activation of rubisco. Photosystem II is the primary site of heat damage to the photosynthetic function. Although, it has been reported that dephosphorylation of PSII in response to heat stress can be considered as a protective mechanism, where the repair process of PSII is done. Overall, adding too much heat to winter spinach leaves will kill them because it will not be able to perform photosynthesis. Lowering the temperature too much will also kill process of photosynthesis. |
|---|---|
| Research Question | How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis? |
| Predictions | In the range from 10 degrees C to 25 degrees C, it is expected the most photosynthesis will occur around 16 degrees C. |
| Experimental Design | |
| Conclusion | |
| Investigation Theme | POS |
| Grade Level | High School Students (Grades 9,10,11,12) |
| School Name | Newburgh Free Academy Main Campus |
| Session | Fall 2016 |
