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Edexcel IGCSE Biology · Spec 2.45B

Light and Gas Exchange

Required practical: using hydrogencarbonate indicator to investigate the effect of light on gas exchange in plants.

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Light and Gas Exchange

Spec 2.45B

What you need to know

  • Use hydrogencarbonate indicator to detect carbon dioxide
  • Investigate the effect of light on a plant
  • Explain the results

Active recall

Quick check

Answer each question before opening the answer.

What is happening at the compensation point?

The rate of photosynthesis exactly equals the rate of respiration, so there is no net gas exchange.

How could you investigate the effect of light on a leaf's gas exchange?

Use hydrogencarbonate indicator with a leaf kept in the light and one in the dark, and compare the colour changes.

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