Measuring Photosynthesis with Cabomba

One of a series of resources from Science & Plants for Schools (SAPS) investigating key topics in plant biology. A reliable way to demonstrate photosynthesis in the classroom. When the pond-weed Cabomba is placed in a solution of sodium hydrogen carbonate in the presence of light of appropriate intensity, it will begin to produce bubbles of oxygen-containing gas. These bubbles can be counted and the rate of bubbling can serve as an indication of the rate of photosynthesis. Cabomba is highly reliable, especially compared to Elodea, which is often used to demonstrate this process.

The resource is suitable for use at Key Stage Three, GCSE and A level.

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• URL: http://stem.org.uk/rx5bs