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Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS)
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Algal Balls - Photosynthesis Using Algae Wrapped in Jelly Balls
This reliable practical allows students to use algae to look at the rate of photosynthesis with quantifiable and replicable results. In this protocol, the green alga Scenedesmus quadricauda is immobilised in alginate beads. Changes in the colour of hydrogen carbonate indicator solution (also called bicarbonate indicator) can then be used to investigate the rate of photosynthesis under different environmental conditions.
The immobilised algae can be used to demonstrate or investigate:
1. Photosynthesis only proceeds in the light
2. Light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis
3. The compensation point between photosynthesis and respiration
4. Wavelength (colour of light) affects the rate of photosynthesis
5. Concentration of algae will affect the rate of photosynthesis.
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Please be aware that resources have been published on the website in the form that they were originally supplied. This means that procedures reflect general practice and standards applicable at the time resources were produced and cannot be assumed to be acceptable today. Website users are fully responsible for ensuring that any activity, including practical work, which they carry out is in accordance with current regulations related to health and safety and that an appropriate risk assessment has been carried out.
Downloads
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Activity sheet 2.39 MB
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Students' guide 326.5 KB
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Hydrogencarbonate indicator 234.08 KB
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Algal growth medium recipe 106 KB
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Students' sheet 773.96 KB
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Teachers' notes 2.65 MB
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Technicians' notes 854.5 KB
Show downloads
-
Activity sheet 2.39 MB -
Students' guide 326.5 KB
-
Hydrogencarbonate indicator 234.08 KB -
Algal growth medium recipe 106 KB
-
Students' sheet 773.96 KB
-
Teachers' notes 2.65 MB
-
Technicians' notes 854.5 KB
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