What is the role of a water plant like Elodea in photosynthesis experiments?

Elodea is used in photosynthesis experiments to demonstrate the process of oxygen production during photosynthesis.

Elodea, also known as waterweed, is a popular choice for photosynthesis experiments due to its aquatic nature and the ease with which it can be observed. Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants, including Elodea, convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy in the form of glucose. This process also produces oxygen as a by-product.

In a typical photosynthesis experiment, an Elodea plant is submerged in water and exposed to a light source. As the plant photosynthesises, it releases oxygen bubbles, which can be easily seen and counted. This provides a visual demonstration of photosynthesis in action and allows students to understand the process more concretely. The rate of bubble production can also be measured under different conditions, such as varying light intensity or carbon dioxide concentration, to investigate how these factors affect the rate of photosynthesis.

Furthermore, Elodea is a suitable plant for these experiments because it can survive and photosynthesise under water, unlike many other plants. This makes it possible to observe the oxygen bubbles produced during photosynthesis, which would not be possible with a terrestrial plant.

In summary, Elodea plays a crucial role in photosynthesis experiments as it provides a clear, visual representation of the process, allowing students to observe and understand the production of oxygen during photosynthesis. Its ability to survive and photosynthesise underwater also makes it a practical choice for such experiments.