Relating Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Using Algae

Background

Photosynthesis is a series of chemical reactions that some cells use to create sugars from carbon
dioxide and water in the presence of sunlight. This process produces oxygen gas as a by-product.
Photosynthesis occurs within the chloroplasts of eukaryotic cells such as plants and protists like
green algae. Some species of bacteria are also capable of undergoing the same process even though
they do not possess true chloroplasts.

Cellular respiration is another metabolic activity that is characterized y a series of chemical reactions
that occur in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells. This process involves the breakdown of sugars in
the presence of oxygen to release energy. Carbon dioxide and water are given off at the end of the
process as waste products.

Both processes are important parts of the carbon cycle. Carbon moves between living and nonliving
components of the environment through the carbon cycle. Carbon dioxide can be used by organisms
through photosynthesis, removing it from the atmosphere.

This activity is organized to introduce the students to the relationship between photosynthesis and
cellular respiration as part of the integral metabolic activities that cells undergo to maintain life.
Litmus paper will be used as an indicator of the pH of the solution. As more carbon dioxide is
released and combined with water to form carbonic acid, it lowers the pH of the cell.

PART A

Materials:

Litmus paper
Drinking straw
3 test tubes
Spirogyra or any filamentous algae
Aluminum foil
Plastic and rubber bands
Tape
Marker
Test Tube rack
Light Source

Procedure:

1. Divide yourselves into your pre-assigned groups.

2. Pour 80 mL of water into an Erlenmeyer flask. Exhale gently into the water using the
drinking straw.
3. Check the initial pH of the water using litmus paper and record your observation.
4. Pour 20 mL of the solution into each of 4 test tubes.
5. Place an equal amount of Spirogyra into two of the test tubes. Leave the other two test tubes
without any algae. Tightly cover all test tubes with aluminum foil, plastic and rubber bands.
Make sure that no air can get inside the test tube.
6. Cover one test tube containing Spirogyra and one test tube without Spirogyra completely
with aluminum foil.
7. Use the tape and marker to label the test tubes.
8. Place them in the test tube rack under the light.
9. Check the pH of the water after 48 hrs and record your results.
Record your results.

Tube Contents Treatment pH (according to litmus paper pH (according to litmus paper

color) / (pH meter) color) / (pH meter)
CO2, Spirogyra Dark Blue 7.15 Slightly Red 7.8
CO2, Spirogyra Light Blue 7.2 Blue 8.7
CO2 Dark Blue 7.1 Blue 7.9
CO2 Light Blue 7.05 Slightly Red 7.42

QUESTIONS:

1. Write the equation for photosynthesis. Where does this occur in a cell?
- The equation for photosynthesis: 6CO2 + 6H2O + light energy C6H12O6 (glucose) +
6O2
- It occurs in the chloroplast in the plant cell, which contains chlorophyll.

2. Write the equation for cellular respiration. Where does this occur in a cell?
- The equation for cellular respiration: C6H12O6 (glucose) + 6O2 6CO2 + 6H2O + ATP
(energy)
- It occurs in the mitochondria of eukaryotic cells.

3. What caused the litmus paper to change in color after 48hrs?

- The change in color of the litmus paper is primarily due to the pH change resulting from
photosynthesis. As carbon dioxide is used during photosynthesis, the water becomes less
acidic, leading to the observed color change in the litmus paper. Spirogyra carries out
photosynthesis, it consumes carbon dioxide from the water. This removal of carbon
dioxide can lead to a decrease in the concentration of dissolved carbon dioxide in the
water, making it less acidic.

4. What could cause the litmus paper to return to its initial color?
- The cause for this would be carbon dioxide consumption because if the algae have absorbed a
significant amount of carbon dioxide during photosynthesis, the pH of the water may
increase (become more alkaline), turning the litmus paper blue. However, if the water is
exposed to the air, carbon dioxide from the air may dissolve into the water, causing the pH to
decrease (returning to its initial value) and the litmus paper to revert to its original color.

5. What is the purpose of the tubes without algae?

- Tubes without algae act as a control group. They provide a baseline or reference point for
comparison against the tubes with algae. By observing how the conditions change in the
absence of algae, you can determine whether any changes in the experimental group (tubes
with algae) are due to the algae's activities or other factors. Any color change in the tubes
without algae indicates that the algae itself was not to blame for any color changes in the
tubes that contained algae.

6. What is the purpose of the tubes covered in used paper? (Be very specific)
- Their purpose is to create a condition of darkness or reduced light exposure for the algae in
the tubes. The primary purpose of using these covered tubes is to compare how the algae's
activities (photosynthesis and cellular respiration) differ in the absence of light or with
reduced light compared to conditions with normal or constant light exposure. This helps us
understand how light affects the algae's ability to perform photosynthesis and cellular
respiration, which are key processes in their growth and metabolism. Light cannot pass
through aluminum foil.

7. Explain how your results demonstrate that photosynthesis and cellular respiration depend on
one another.
- The same carbon dioxide was extracted out of the substance using the photosynthesis of the
spirogyra. The reactants of photosynthesis are the byproducts of cellular respiration. When
you observe the pH of the water in the experiment, you see that it increases when there's light
if photosynthesis occurs and decreases when there's darkness if cellular respiration occurs.
 This shows that photosynthesis and cellular respiration in algae are connected and depend
on each other because they have opposite effects on the pH of the water.

8. Algae are being investigated by Oak Ridge National Laboratory scientists as a source of
bioenergy. Using bioenergy to power cars and provide electricity could reduce the amount of
harmful carbon dioxide emissions in Earth’s atmosphere. If algae begin to be grown on a
large scale across the country for production into biofuels, what other effect might the algal
growth have on the carbon cycle?
- Carbon dioxide is used by algae during cellular respiration. By capturing CO2, this would
lessen the amount of atmosphere in the environment.
- The use of algal biofuels can also reduce the reliance on fossil fuels like gasoline and diesel,
which release carbon dioxide when burned. This substitution can further help in reducing
carbon emissions.

PART B

Write a lab report as instructed

 Relationship between Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration Using

Spirogyra

Flores, Justine Kyle M.

Researcher

Introduction

Eukaryotic cells are known because they have a true nucleus. The structure of the

nucleus, containing genetic material, is enclosed within the membrane and separated from the

rest of the cells (Bailey, 2009). Eukaryotic photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplast, where it

is paired with carbon fixation to transform light energy into biochemical energy that may be

stored while exchanging atmospheric CO 2 (Carbon dioxide) for O2 (Oxygen) (Engel et al., 2015).

Algal cells are eukaryotic, they can photosynthesize similarly to plants, and they include specific

cell organelles like centrioles and flagella that are exclusively seen in animals (BYJU’S, 2017).

Algae are photosynthetic eukaryotic organisms that belong to the kingdom Protista. However,

they may also be found in different environments (Davey, R., & Coveney, S., 2021). They are

non-flowering, usually aquatic plants without roots, leaves, stalks, or vascular tissue, but they do

possess chlorophyll. They use sunlight and dissolved abiotic (non-living) substances to create

biotic (living) material through a process known as photosynthesis (Azrina, 2022). The

beneficial properties of algae tend to be less interesting - they represent the foundation of marine

food webs, supporting fisheries and distinctive marine huge mammals that include albatrosses to

whales, and eating carbon dioxide and providing oxygen (Raven, J. A., & Giordano, M., 2014).

Photosynthesis is an energy transformation process carried out by phototrophic organisms

that turns light energy into chemical energy. Photosynthesis is a series of biochemical and

biophysical reactions that occur continuously in photosynthetic organisms (plants, algae, and

cyanobacteria) and always begin with the absorption of light and end with the conversion of

inorganic carbon into stable organic compounds known as carbohydrates, such as sugars (Petsas, A.

S., & Vagi, M. C., 2017). The photosynthetic process in plants, algae, and certain bacteria results in

the release of molecular oxygen and the removal of carbon dioxide from the environment, which is

utilized to build carbohydrates (“The paper”, n.d.). The process through which living cells breakdown
glucose molecules and release energy is known as cellular respiration (Miller, 2020). Cellular

respiration is the process by which cells transform the energy stored within food molecules into an

enzyme that can be used known as adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP serves as the energy currency

of cells and fuels various (“TOI Education”, 2023). Organisms combine oxygen with food molecules

during cellular respiration, directing the chemical energy that comes from these substances toward

life-sustaining activities while excreting carbon dioxide and water as waste. Fermentation is the

process by which organisms that do not require oxygen break down food (The Editors of

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2019).

The researchers aim to provide an overview of the experiment to observe the changes of

the pH in water with spirogyra. The findings would indicate if there was an active relationship

between photosynthesis and cellular respiration in maintaining Spirogyra's life cycle.

Statement of Hypothesis

Photosynthesis and cellular respiration are fundamental biological processes that

contribute significantly to the distribution of energy and materials throughout ecosystems. These

mechanisms are essential for the growth and survival of many organisms, including

photosynthetic algae including Spirogyra. The objective of this study is to examine the

interaction between photosynthesis and cellular respiration in Spirogyra and how various

environmental circumstances impact these processes.

Hypothesis:

1. Is there a significance between photosynthesis and cellular respiration?

2. Is there a difference in pH scale in water for initial and final record after 48 hours?

Null Hypothesis:

1. There is no significant relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration.

 2. There will be no significant difference in pH scale in water for initial and final record after

48 hours.

Independent Variable:

- Light intensity (Natural light)

Dependent Variable:

- Oxygen production and consumption

- Carbon dioxide consumption

- Glucose production

- PH level of water

Materials and Methods

This research used an experimental design. It includes the light intensity as the
independent variable, the production of oxygen and carbon dioxide consumption as the
dependent variable, and the test tubes without algae as the control group. The method that is used
consists of dark and light.

Materials
Litmus paper

Drinking straw

4 test tubes

Spirogyra or any filamentous algae

Aluminum foil

Plastic and rubber bands

Tape

Marker

Test Tube rack

Light Source

Preparation of the Spirogyra and Test tubes

To keep the Spirogyra alive, put it in freshwater. Prepare and clean the four test tubes. Pour 80

mL of water into an Erlenmeyer flask. Exhale gently into the water using the drinking straw to

keep the carbon dioxide in the Erlenmeyer flask. Check the initial pH of the water using the

litmus paper and record your observation. Then, pour 20 mL of the solution into each of 4 test

tubes. After pouring the water into the test tubes, exhale gently into the water using the drinking

straw to keep the carbon dioxide inside.

Placement of Spirogyra on the Test tubes

Place an equal amount of Spirogyra into two of the test tubes with the use of forceps. Leave the

other two test tubes without any algae. Tightly cover all test tubes with aluminum foil, plastic

and rubber bands. Make sure that no air can get inside the test tube. Cover one test tube

containing Spirogyra and one test tube without Spirogyra completely with aluminum foil. Use

the tape and marker to label the test tubes (Light CO2 with Spirogyra, Light C02, Dark CO2

with Spirogyra, and Dark CO2). Place them in the test tube rack under the light.

Observing the pH of the water after 48 hours (about 2 days)

After doing the set-up wait for 48 hours (about 2 days) for the observation of the pH water in the

test tubes. Record the results.

Results

The researcher observed the relationship between photosynthesis and cellular respiration

in Spirogyra. The exchange of gases, energy flow, pH changes, and use of oxygen and glucose

serve to show how interconnected they are. With the help of the control group, which comprises

the tubes without algae that were exposed to different treatments, multiple procedures, including

dark and light treatments, were applied.

Record your results.

Tube Contents Treatment pH (according to litmus paper pH (according to litmus paper

color) / (pH meter) color) / (pH meter)
CO1, Spirogyra Dark Blue 7.15 Blue 7.8

1
CO2, Spirogyra Light Blue 7.2 Blue 8.7
CO2 Dark Slightly Red 7.1 Blue 7.9
CO2 Light Blue 7.05 Slightly Red 7.42
Figure 1. Initial and final record of pH water according to the litmus paper color and pH meter scale.

Discussion

The results of using algae in the context of photosynthesis and respiration reveal a

fascinating interplay between these two vital biological processes. These findings not only

contribute to our understanding of fundamental ecological processes but also have significant

implications for the management of aquatic ecosystems and biotechnological applications.

Photosynthesis releases oxygen and glucose, which are required for cellular respiration, whereas

cellular respiration produces carbon dioxide and ATP. Spirogyra will exhibit an increased rate of

photosynthesis, leading to higher oxygen production and a corresponding reduction in carbon

dioxide levels. Conversely, under reduced light conditions, we anticipate a decrease in

photosynthesis and a subsequent decrease in oxygen production, accompanied by higher carbon

dioxide levels due to increased respiration. After 48 hours, the color of the litmus paper changes

as a result of cellular respiration and photosynthesis, with the water becoming more alkaline

(basic) during photosynthesis and acidic during cellular respiration. Different changes represent

the constant balance of different metabolic processes in algae. Specifically, when algae are

exposed to light, there will be an increase in pH level due to enhanced photosynthesis, while in

the darkness, pH level will decrease due to increased cellular respiration.

We have observed that the balance between photosynthesis and respiration in algae is

highly sensitive to environmental conditions, with factors like light intensity. Furthermore, our

pH water records have revealed that variations in water acidity can also impact this balance, with

certain pH levels favoring photosynthesis while others inhibit it. The researchers discovered a lot

of shortcomings during the procedure of this experiment, such as the fact that the litmus paper

testing and the scale for pH level are not identical.

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