Using Herbicides to Understand the Light-Dependent Reactions of Photosynthesis

 

Laurel Rodgers & Wendy Peiffer

Tested Studies in Laboratory Teaching, 2017, Volume 38

Abstract

The electron transport chain (ETC) is a critical part of both photosynthesis and cellular respiration. However, it is frequently one of the topics least understood by our General Biology students. In this lab students first observe the production of oxygen in spinach leaves and the consumption of carbon dioxide by Elodea leaves during photosynthesis. Next, students perform a skit in which they act out the process of photosynthesis, focusing on the ETC and the light-dependent reactions. Finally, students design an experiment that will allow them to determine if a given herbicide blocks the ETC by stealing electrons or by blocking electron movement. This lab increases our students’ basic understanding of photosynthesis and the role of the ETC in metabolism.

Keywords:  photosynthesis, electron transport chain

University of Houston (2016)