Genome editing: Do sun and shade plants have different rates of photosynthesis?

This resource provides a set of videos of a practical investigation aimed at supporting working scientifically in the classroom and relating science to real world experiences. In the first video, Professor Brian Cox joins a teacher to find out how some plants have naturally adapted for survival with the ability to photosynthesise when light levels are low. The video demonstrates the setting up of the experiment, including all equipment needed, followed by it being carried out with a class. 

In the second video, we visit Dr Ingo Hein at the James Hutton Institute to learn about research being done into naturally disease-resistant potato crops and the potential commercial applications of this science. We then visit Dr Philippa Borrill at the John Innes Centre, who leads a research group aiming to understand and improve the nutritional value of wheat grain. The second and third videos feature a focus on the skills required to work in these areas and offer young people an insight into which subjects and skills they may wish to pursue later in school and beyond. These could be a useful tool for careers teachers and form tutors.

This activity is based on an original activity, called Investigating Photosynthesis with Leaf Discs, designed by SAPS (Science & Plants for schools www.saps.org.uk) who have kindly agreed to its use in the Royal Society Brian Cox School Experiments.

This resource has been provided by the Royal Society.

Classroom experiment

Dr Ingo Hein at the James Hutton Institute

Dr Philippa Borrill at the John Innes Centre