If you have been in a hotel lobby or in an office, you have probably seen spider plants and geraniums. These plants are popular because of their stripy leaves. These stripes are quite rare in nature as most leaves are entirely green.
1. Plan, design, carry out and write up an investigation to confirm which of these four statements is correct:
a. The entire leaf surface can photosynthesise.
b. Only the green parts of the leaf surface can photosynthesise.
c. Only the creamy-white parts of the leaf surface can photosynthesise.
d. None of the leaf surface can photosynthesise.
2. Why is there a difference in colour between the green and creamy-white parts of the leaf surface?
Fig. 3.2.3 A spider plant
3. Are such leaves common in nature? Do you think humans may have a role to play in developing these plants? Explain your answer.
4. What term do gardeners use to describe plants with stripy leaves? 5. Could you change this investigation to test if carbon dioxide is needed for photosynthesis?
6. Do you think it would be possible to design an investigation to confirm that water is needed for photosynthesis? What are the challenges you might have to consider?
Photosynthesis and Industry
Photosynthesis is a very important biological process.
The farming industry relies on photosynthesis to produce food for humans, such as cereals, fruits and vegetables.
Photosynthesis is also used to make food for cattle to eat. For example, grass is grown as a crop to feed cattle and the cattle then produce milk and beef.
