Photosynthesis MYP 2 Science — Criterion A and Criterion B Practice

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering fundamental photosynthesis concepts, experimental variables, and inquiry design skills for MYP 2 Science Criterion A and Criterion B.

Photosynthesis

The process by which green plants use light energy to make glucose from carbon dioxide and water, releasing oxygen as a by-product.

Chlorophyll

The green substance in plant cells that absorbs or traps light energy to drive photosynthesis.

Chloroplast

The organelle in a plant cell where photosynthesis mainly takes place.

Photosynthesis Word Equation

$$\text{carbon dioxide} + \text{water} \xrightarrow{\text{light energy and chlorophyll}} \text{glucose} + \text{oxygen}$$

Sodium Hydrogencarbonate

A compound added to water in aquatic plant experiments to act as a source of carbon dioxide ($\text{CO}_2$).

Pondweed Photosynthesis Experimental Setup

A laboratory apparatus featuring an aquatic plant placed in water containing sodium hydrogencarbonate at measured distances from a lamp to observe oxygen bubble production.

Independent Variable (in the pondweed investigation)

The factor that is intentionally changed by the experimenter, specifically the distance between the lamp and the pondweed ($10\,\text{cm}$, $20\,\text{cm}$, $30\,\text{cm}$, and $40\,\text{cm}$) to vary light intensity.

Dependent Variable (in the pondweed investigation)

The factor that is measured to determine the outcome, specifically the number of oxygen bubbles released per minute as an indicator of the rate of photosynthesis.

Controlled Variable

A factor kept the same throughout an investigation to ensure a valid test, such as water temperature, pondweed length or species, carbon dioxide concentration, or water volume.

Limiting Factor

An environmental condition—such as carbon dioxide concentration or temperature—that restricts the rate of photosynthesis from increasing indefinitely even if light intensity continues to rise.

Criterion A (MYP Science)

The assessment objective focused on 'Knowing and Understanding,' evaluating factual knowledge, scientific explanations, and theoretical problem-solving.

Criterion B (MYP Science)

The assessment objective focused on 'Inquiring and Designing,' evaluating the ability to formulate research questions, state hypotheses, manipulate variables, and design complete scientific methods.