KS4 Biology: Photosynthesis and gas exchange
How does a plant’s environment affect how it is adapted for photosynthesis and gas exchange?
Level
Key Stage 4
Duration
90 minutes
Allocated space
15 pupils per group
Overview
Discover the complex ways plants have adapted to cope with limiting factors such as temperature, humidity or light intensity and the effects of these factors on photosynthesis and gas exchange.
Investigate how environmental conditions can affect gas exchange and photosynthesis in plants and explore how a changing climate could impact on these processes.
Learning outcomes
Pupils will be able to:
- Understand the conditions required for photosynthesis and be able to construct the appropriate equations.
- Explain the process of transpiration, including the role of the stomata.
- Recognise that abiotic conditions can affect the rate of photosynthesis, transpiration and water uptake.
- Give examples of the ways in which photosynthetic structures are adapted for plants to survive in extreme environments.
We will ensure learning outcomes are relevant to your pupils and will focus on your chosen exam board.
Keywords:
Adaptations, environment, photosynthesis, transpiration, stomata, water, light, carbon dioxide, temperature, biome, diversity
Curriculum links
AQA - Biology
- 4.3: Infection and response
- 4.2.3.2: Plant organ system
- 4.4.1.2: Rate of photosynthesis
- 4.7.1.4 Adaptations
Edexcel - Biology
- Topic 6: Plant structures and their functions – 6.3, 6.4, 6.9, 6.11B, 6.12, 6.14B
OCR A - Biology
Topic B1: Cell level systems
- B1.4: Photosynthesis – e, f
Topic B2: Scaling up
- B2.2: The challenges of size – i, g
OCR B - Biology
Chapter B3: Living together – food and ecosystems
- B3.1: What happens during photosynthesis? 4a
- B3.2: How do producers get the substances they need? 1, 4, 6a, 7a
BTEC
- Topic 6: Plant structures and their functions – 6.2, 6.3, 6.9, 6.12
