Biology (Separate Science) · GCSE · OCR · OCR GCSE Biology A (Gateway Science) — Foundation (J247) · Specification point · B1.4 · Cell level systems
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B1.4 Photosynthesis
Summary Life processes depend on photosynthesis. Green plants and algae trap light from the Sun to fix carbon dioxide with hydrogen from water making organic compounds. Underlying knowledge and understanding Learners should also have some underpinning knowledge of photosynthesis. They should have an understanding that plants make carbohydrates in their leaves by photosynthesis, and be able to recall the word equation for photosynthesis.
Common misconceptions Learners often think that plants do not respire.
| Reference | Mathematical learning outcomes | Mathematical skills |
|---|---|---|
BM1.4i | understand and use simple compound measures such as the rate of a reaction | M1a and M1c |
BM1.4ii | translate information between graphical and numerical form |
M4a |
BM1.4iii | plot and draw appropriate graphs, selecting appropriate scales and axes | M4a and M4c |
BM1.4iv | extract and interpret information from graphs, charts and tables | M2c and M4a |
| Learning outcomes | To include | Maths | Working scientifically | Practical suggestions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
B1.4a describe photosynthetic organisms as the main producers of food and therefore biomass for life on Earth | Use of concept cartoons to start discussions about photosynthesis. | |||
B1.4b describe the process of photosynthesis | reactants and products, two- stage process, location of the reaction (in the chloroplasts) | WS2a, WS2b, WS2c, WS2d | Investigation of photosynthesis e.g. the Priestley experiment using Cabomba to collect oxygen or the Ingenhousz experiment to show mass gain. (PAG B4, PAG B5, PAG B6) | |
B1.4c describe photosynthesis as an endothermic reaction | WS1.3b, WS1.3c, WS1.3e | Demonstrate of an endothermic reaction (e.g. icepack). | ||
B1.4d describe experiments to investigate photosynthesis | WS2a, WS2b, WS2c, WS2d | Experiments to show the consequences of light exclusion on photosynthesising plants (e.g. testing geraniums for starch). (PAG B4, PAG B5, PAG B6) | ||
B1.4e explain the effect of temperature, light intensity and carbon dioxide concentration on the rate of photosynthesis | M1a, M1c, M4a, M4b, M4c, M2g | WS2a, WS2b, WS2c, WS2d | Investigation of photosynthesis in algae using alginate beads to immobilize the algae. (PAG B4, PAG B5, PAG B6) |