Is CO2 uptake and O2 production directly proportional in photosynthesis?
I am investigating the effects of the conc. of CO2 on the volume of O2 produced. I have set up my apparatus by putting Elodea in a syringe in a water bath, with a fixed lamp, connected to a capillary tube. I am using 0.1M NaHCO3 solution and then making a series dilution. I have then made a prediction that the conc. of CO2 and the volume of O2 will directly proportional, but I am having trouble justifying it. Can you help me? The key lies in the equation for photosynthesis:- carbon dioxide + water ====> glucose + oxygen If you put more CO2 IN, you will get more sugar and more O2 OUT. For every molecule of CO2 used up, this equation suggests that there will be one molecule of O2 produced. The rate of the reaction depends on:- a) concentration of CO2 b) concentration of water (but there is usually far more of this than is needed) c) amount of light d) ability to get rid of the end products (sugars such as glucose are converted to sucrose and leave the leaf by means of the phloem – if the