Module 5 Intro

1.23. Page 5

Module 5—Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration

Lesson Summary

 

In this lesson the following essential questions were explored:

• What factors affect photosynthesis?
• What technologies have emerged from photosynthesis-based research?

You revisited factors affecting photosynthesis, such as carbon-dioxide levels, light intensity, light wavelength, and temperature. These topics were originally explored in Module 1.

 

Photosynthesis-based research has determined that there are three types of photosynthesis. Most plants, however, perform photosynthesis as described in Lesson 3 of this module.

 

Some plants have evolved to be more efficient at carbon fixation as a result of their environmental conditions. Scientists have capitalized on this knowledge by applying it to agriculture.

 

You also explored other technologies that may help achieve future global sustainability.

 

Lesson Glossary

 

CAM: crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM photosynthesis); an elaborate carbon fixation pathway in some plants