Module 5 Intro

1. Module 5 Intro

1.17. Page 3

Lesson 3

Module 5—Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Reflect and Connect

This lesson describes how the light-independent reactions of photosynthesis are responsible for the conversion of carbon dioxide into glucose. Although there are other processes that could be used to remove carbon dioxide from the air inside a space colony, not many other processes would be able to produce food at the same time.

Imagine that you are in charge of a greenhouse on a space station. The greenhouse has three purposes:

to produce food
to control air quality
to provide fresh water

Prepare a large, detailed diagram to describe the greenhouse organization. How would each of the three listed purposes be performed? You may wish to consider what types of plants would be best to have in your greenhouse, as well as the light conditions and the atmospheric composition. Save this diagram in your course folder. This would be great to share with your classmates. Post your diagram and view the diagrams of other students. Review your response and make necessary edits.

Discuss

Global warming is an issue that emerges from many areas of biological study. You can describe the complex process of photosynthesis thanks to discoveries made by scientists.

If you were a scientist trying to stop global warming, what part of photosynthesis would you study? Why? Post your response in the discussion area. Your response should contain specific details and logical reasoning, instead of one general statement. Read other postings and save your response to your course folder. Did you learn anything new? Your teacher may use this as an Assessment item.

Reflect on the Big Picture

Photosynthesis is an evolved process that has happened over millions of years. Scientists are working on ways to manipulate the evolution of photosynthesis in order to reduce global warming.

Going Beyond

How does biomass energy relate to photosynthesis? You discussed biomass in Unit A when you talked about biomass pyramids. You now know six carbon dioxide molecules are absorbed (assimilated) by photosynthetic organisms to produce one glucose molecule. These molecules become biomass. If you go to the CBC website, you can do a web search for a “Quirks and Quarks” radio episode on biomass. Use the following words in your search: “quirks quarks biomass September 16.” You are looking for the September 16, 2006, episode. Once you are on the page, scroll down until you find the title “Biomass.” The future of biomass fuels is discussed.

What is RuBisCO? RuBisCO is the most abundant enzyme on Earth, but it is one of the most inefficient enzymes. Do a web search to find out what role RuBisCO plays in photosynthesis.

Module 5: Lesson 3 Assignment

Remember to submit the Assignment answers to your teacher as part of your Module 5: Lesson 3 Assignment.