LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

OR TAMBO COASTAL DISTRICT

LIFE SCIENCES
GRADE 11
LEARNER`S CONTENT MANUAL [LCM]
MARCH 2025
TERM: TWO
PHOTOSYNTHESIS
Compiled By MR NKANZELA .O Sciences Educator ECDoE

CHAPTER 4: PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Introduction
All living organisms require energy to survive. This energy can either be obtained
directly from the sun (plants) or from the food that is eaten (animals). In this chapter,
we will look at how plants convert radiant energy into chemical potential energy
using the raw materials available to them. The term photosynthesis means light is
used (photo) to manufacture (synthesis) energy.

Key terminology
metabolism chemical processes in organisms controlled by enzymes
anabolism building up chemical reactions
catabolism breaking down chemical reactions
chemical used to test for starch – a positive test results in the
iodine solution
colour changing from brown to blue-black
green plants that produce their own food through
autotrophic
photosynthesis
organisms that cannot photosynthesize and obtain food from
heterotrophic
other organisms
1
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The definition of photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is a chemical process by which carbohydrates (glucose) is

produced using radiant energy.

Key terminology
radiant energy energy from the sun, needed by plants for photosynthesis
chloroplast organelle in plants, site for photosynthesis
chlorophyll green pigment needed for photosynthesis
thylakoids part of the chloroplast that contains chlorophyll
stacks of thylakoids, light dependent phase of photosynthesis
grana
takes place here
liquid part of the chloroplast, light independent phase of
stroma
photosynthesis takes place here
Photosynthesis occurs in green plants and takes place in the chloroplast of a cell.
This can be seen in Figure 1 below:

Photosynthesis
light energy

oxygen is
released

carbon dioxide is
absorbed
sugar is
formed

water is
absorbed

Figure 1: A diagram to show the requirements and products of photosynthesis

2
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Requirements and products of photosynthesis

Plants are adapted to obtain what is required for photosynthesis as well as to

release the products. The requirements for and products of photosynthesis can be
represented in the equations given below:

Word Equation
Chlorophyll
Carbon dioxide + Water + Radiant energy Glucose + Oxygen
Enzymes

Chemical Equation:

Chlorophyll
CO 2 + H2O + radiant energy C 6H12O6 + O2
Enzymes

The requirements and products for the process of photosynthesis are tabulated
below (Table 1).

Table 1: The requirements for and products of photosynthesis

Requirements Products
Glucose: Carbohydrate formed. It is
Carbon dioxide: Diffuses into the leaves converted and stored as starch in plants
of plants or glycogen in animals
Water: Inorganic substance absorbed Oxygen: Gas that is released back into
from soil by the roots of plants the atmosphere from the leaves
Radiant energy/ light energy:
Absorbed from the sun by leaves of
plants
Chlorophyll: Green pigment found
inside the chloroplasts
Enzymes: Found inside the chloroplasts
3
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The structure of a chloroplast

The process of photosynthesis occurs inside of the chloroplast, an organelle found

only in plant cells (Figure2)

ribosomes

thylakoid stroma

double
granum
membrane

lamella

starch granule chloroplast DNA

Figure 2: The chloroplast

Table 2: The parts of the chloroplast and their functions.

Part of the chloroplast Function
thylakoid disc shaped membranes that that contain chlorophyll
granum a stack of thylakoids
lamella membranes that make up the thylakoids
stroma liquid part of the chloroplast
starch granule glucose produced is stored as starch in this structure
chloroplast DNA contains genetic information
protects the chloroplast and allows substances to move
double membrane
in and out
4
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

The process of photosynthesis

The process of photosynthesis occurs in two phases:

• Light dependent phase: light is required
• Light independent phase: no light is required

Key terminology
splitting of water molecules into oxygen atoms and hydrogen
photolysis
atoms. photo = light, lysis = split
phosphorylation formation of energy transporting molecules called ATP
ATP adenosine triphosphate, energy carriers in cells
cyclical process during light independent phase of
Calvin cycle
photosynthesis
glucose carbohydrate formed during photosynthesis
starch stored form of glucose in plants
glycogen stored form of glucose in animals
5
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Light dependent phase

radiant energy

① + light -
④ H independent
phase

grana
③ H2O
⑤ O2
②water
⑥ ATP light -independent
phase

Figure 3 : The light dependent phase of p hotosynthesis

The light dependent phase of photosynthesis (Figure 3) takes place in the grana of
chloroplasts as follows:
The numbers in the diagram represent the sequence of events:
1. The required radiant energy is absorbed by chlorophyll in the grana.
2. Water is absorbed into the grana of the chloroplast
3. Radiant energy causes the water molecule to split (photolysis),
releasing:
4. Energy rich hydrogen (H+) ions which are taken into the
lightindependent phase, and
5. Oxygen which is released back into the atmosphere
6. Radiant energy also causes the energy carrier ATP to be formed
(phosphorylation) which will be used in the light-independent phase.
6
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Light independent phase

The light independent phase of photosynthesis (Figure 4) takes place in the stroma
of chloroplasts as follows:

① Carbon dioxide (CO 2)

② CO 2 + H + + ATP Glucose

s tarch ③
granule

Figure 4: The light independent phase of photosynthesis

The numbers in the diagram represent the sequence of events:

1. Carbon dioxide is absorbed from the atmosphere

2. Carbon dioxide and energy rich Hydrogen (H+) atoms, from the light
dependent phase, are combined by using ATP, from the light dependent
phase to from carbohydrates (glucose)
3. Excess glucose is stored as starch in starch granules.

This phase can take place in the presence of light or during the absence of light
because light is not required during this phase.
7
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

A comparison between the phases of photosynthesis

The following table (Table 3) provides a short overview of the different phases of
photosynthesis.

Table 3: Overview of the phases of photosynthesis

Light dependent phase Light independent phase
Occurs in the grana Occurs in the stroma
Light is required Light is not required
Radiant energy is absorbed and used for Carbon dioxide is absorbed from
the reactions of photolysis & the atmosphere
phosphorylation
Hydrogen and carbon dioxide
Photolysis occurs: hydrogen is released and
combine by using atp to form
oxygen is returned to the atmosphere
glucose

Phosphorylation occurs: ATP is produced Excess glucose is stored as starch

The importance of photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is important for the following reasons:

• It balances the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen in the atmosphere.
• The process uses carbon dioxide and releases oxygen.
• It uses radiant energy to produce chemical potential energy in the form
of glucose which serves as food for other organisms.
• Proteins and lipids are made by using the stored starch.
8
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Environmental factors affecting the rate of

photosynthesis

Photosynthesis can take place at different rates (speeds). Depending on the

concentration of the raw materials, photosynthesis will take place more slowly or more
quickly. The factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis (how slowly or quickly it takes
place) are:

• The intensity of light

• The concentration of carbon dioxide
• The temperature

The intensity of light

sis 3 4
eth
n
sy
o
to
2
h
p
fo
eRat

1
Intensity of light

Figure 5: Line graph showing the effect of light intensity on the rate of
photosynthesis

Light intensity influences the rate of photosynthesis (Figure 5) as follows:

1. At low light intensity, the rate of photosynthesis is low.

2. As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases.
This will happen up to a certain point.
3. When light intensity is at the optimum amount, photosynthesis will
occur most rapidly.
9
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

4. If light intensity increases past the optimum, the rate of photosynthesis

will remain constant. The other factors such as carbon dioxide become
limiting factors which reduces the rate of photosynthesis.

The concentration of carbon dioxide

sis
e
th
n
sy
o
ot
h
p
f
o
eRat

Concentration of CO2

Figure 6: Line graph showing the effect of the concentration of carbon dioxide
on the rate of photosynthesis.

The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO2) influences the rate of photosynthesis

(Figure 6) as follows:

1. At a low carbon dioxide concentration, the rate of photosynthesis is

low.
2. As the carbon dioxide concentration level increases, the rate of
photosynthesis also increases. This will happen up to a certain point.
3. When the optimum amount of carbon dioxide is present,
photosynthesis will occur most rapidly.
4. If the carbon dioxide concentration is higher than the optimum amount,
then photosynthesis will remain constant. This is because the light
independent phase cannot take place more quickly than what it does at the
optimum level of carbon dioxide concentration.
10
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Temperature

sis
eth
n
sy
o
to
h
p
fo
eRat

Temperature

Figure 7: Line graph showing the effect of temperature

on the rate of photosynthesis

A rise or fall in temperature influences the rate of photosynthesis that takes place.
Temperature influences the rate of photosynthesis (Figure 7) as follows:

1. When temperature is low, the rate of photosynthesis is low.

2. As temperature increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases.
3. When temperature is at the optimum amount, the rate of
photosynthesis will reach a maximum.
4. If the temperature is higher than the optimum amount, then
photosynthesis will decrease in rate. This is because the enzymes used in
the process will denature at high temperatures and will no longer function.

Greenhouses

A greenhouse (as shown in Figure 8) is a structure with a transparent roof and walls,
and is used to grow plants.

Key terminology
a glass or plastic structure that traps heat and allows light to
greenhouse
11

enter, used to grow plants

phenomenon where heat from the sun is trapped on Earth
greenhouse effect
Page

by CO2 in the atmosphere

 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Figure 8: A greenhouse

Light enters the greenhouse through the roof and heat is trapped inside the structure.
Greenhouses can be used to maintain the optimal levels of the factors affecting the
rate of photosynthesis. This is done in the following ways:

• Light passes through the transparent structure. Artificial lights can be

used to allow the plants to photosynthesis for longer periods of time.
• Carbon dioxide is present in the atmosphere but more can be pumped
into the greenhouse or be produced by burning gas lamps.
• The temperature can be kept at the optimum level by using heating
and cooling devices.

The greenhouse effect is a natural phenomenon where heat is trapped in the

atmosphere of the Earth by carbon dioxide. This is very important to keep Earth at a
temperature which allows for life to occur. Without the greenhouse effect, the Earth
would be too cold to support life.
Due to carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increasing, the greenhouse effect is
becoming enhanced and this is leading to global warming.
12
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Investigations

There are investigations which can be performed to determine if a factor is required

for photosynthesis or to determine the rate at which photosynthesis is occurring. In
the investigations, one plant (the experiment) is given all of the requirements except
for the factor being tested. Another plant is given all of the requirements in the same
investigation and is referred to as the control. In most of the investigations, a test for
starch is performed at the end to prove that photosynthesis took place.
Destarching a plant
Before starting the investigations, starch must be removed from the plant. To do this:
• the plant is placed in a dark cupboard for 48 hours
• the plant uses the stored starch during the 48 hour period
• it can be proved that the starch present at the end of the investigation
is due to photosynthesis occurring.
The starch test can be used to prove that starch is a product of photosynthesis

Investigation 1: The Starch Test

The Starch Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s_xZqvwm_s

During photosynthesis glucose is produced which is converted into starch. To

determine whether photosynthesis occurred, a test for starch can be performed. If
starch is present, then it can be concluded that photosynthesis occurred. If starch
is not prese nt, then it can be concluded that photosynthesis did not occur.

1. 2. 3.
beaker iodine in
leaf in test tube
with dropper
boiling with leaf
boiling
water in alcohol
water

tripod tripod
with mesh with mesh iodine turning leaf blue -black
13
Page

Figure 9: Experimental set -up to show starch is produced during photosynthesis

 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Method:

1. Place a leaf in a beaker of boiling water (see Figure 9). This softens
the leaf and kills the cells to stop metabolism
2. Place the leaf into a test tube containing ethanol (alcohol).
3. Allow the test tube to stand in a beaker of boiling water (water bath) for
approximately 10 minutes
Ethanol cannot be exposed to direct heat because it is highly flammable and
has a boiling temperature lower than water, this is why it is placed into the
water bath.
Chlorophyll is soluble in alcohol and will be extracted from the leaf.
The leaf will turn white in colour and become brittle.

4. Carefully remove the brittle leaf from the alcohol and rinse it in water to
soften
it.
5. Spread the leaf on a tile and pour a few drops of iodine solution onto it.

Results:
The leaf turns blue black which proves that starch has been produced by
photosynthesis.
The following investigations can be used to show the requirements and products of
photosynthesis.
14
Page
 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Investigation 2: Light is required for photosynthesis

Light is one of the requirements for photosynthesis. An investigation can be

performed to show that without light, starch will not be produced and therefore no
photosynthesis took place.

Aim: To prove that light is required for photosynthesis

Method:
• Destarch a potted plant by placing it in a dark cupboard for 48 hours
• Cover a portion of the leaf, still attached to the plant, with aluminium
foil
( Figure 10)

foil strip

Figure 10: Aluminium foil covering part of a leaf

• Place the plant in a sunny area for 48 hours

• Pick the leaf and remove the foil
• Test for the presence of starch using the starch test.

The experiment is the part of the leaf covered by the foil, as it does not receive light.
The part of the leaf left uncovered is the control as it receives all of the requirements
for photosynthesis, including light.

Results:
Experiment (leaf covered with tinfoil): the iodine solution remains light brown.
Control (leaf left uncovered): the iodine solution turns blue-black.

Conclusion:
15

The parts that turn blue-black in colour contain starch. The part which remains light
brown does not contain starch.
Page

Light is essential for photosynthesis to take place.

 LIFE SCIENCES/ PHOTOSYNTHESIS

Investigating the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=id0aO_OdFwA

REFERENCES

 DBE Exam guidelines

 Annual Teaching plan [ATP]
 Approved grade 11 national text book
 Internet
 NMD grade 11 Life Sciences workbook
16
Page