Photosynthesis & Respiration Introduction

Today in science we introduced our new unit on Photosynthesis.  Photosynthesis is the process by which a cell captures energy in sunlight and uses it to make its own food (a type of sugar called glucose).

As a class we focused on a few key terms to know when learning about photosynthesis such as autotrophs, heterotrophs, pigments, chlorophyll, and stomata.

Tomorrow, we will start to dive deeper into the the process of photosynthesis.  The reading for tonight will help reinforce our new understanding of how organisms get energy.  The reading will also introduce the two stages of photosynthesis.

Here is the link for the reading from our Science Explorer text.

Here is a great three minute video from Discovery's "Greatest Scientific Discovery" series that will introduce the experiments that enabled Priestly and Ingenhousz to "discover" photosynthesis.

Photosynthesis and Respiration Reading

Click here to access the pdf of today's reading.

Access Notes form Class on Scenarios and Post-Lab

Answers to Cell Transport Study Guides found here.

Cell Transport Quizlet

Final BBC Webquest with interactive Links


Notes on Post-Lab for Potato Lab- Click here to access.

Notes from Scenarios #1-4 - Click here to access

Steps to take when you view a scenario:

1. Identify the molecules- pay close attention if they are large or small.

2. Identify high and low concentrations

3. Identify the direction of the concentration gradient

4. Identify if the molecules are moving with or against the concentration gradient

5. Decide if it is active or passive transport.

6. Be specific with the type of transport.

Onion Lab - Osmosis in Plant Cells.

Click to access the Onion Cell Lab.

Images from today's lab.
Normal Onion Cell

Cell in high salt solution

Notice osmosis in action!

Scenarios and Study Guide Cell Transport

Click here to access the Cell Transport Study Guide.

Examples of scenarios where cell transport happens.  

Potato Lab

Here is a direct link to the Potato Lab that we will be conducting tomorrow in class.  You will need to complete the Pre-lab for homework tonight.

Potato Lab Link

Potato Lab -Parts of an Experiment Document

Today we were introduced to the second form of cell transport, active transport.

Active transport is when energy is needed to be used to move molecules from low concentration to high concentration across a cell membrane.  Often in this form of transport, transport proteins are used to aid the process.

Here is an image of active transport.

Here is a link comparing of active and passive transport.

Online Diffusion Webquest

Click here to access the diffusion webquest.