Biology Bits
by Gina Lyon
Photo Finish
While learning about photosynthesis, the biology classes tested the rate of photosynthesis on old and young Ivy leaves. Eight out of eleven groups have concluded that old Ivy leaves carry out photosynthesis faster than young Ivy leaves. Ten leaf discs from old leaves and ten leaf discs from young leaves were placed in separate syringes with a detergent solution. The plunger was pulled releasing the oxygen from the leaf discs making them sink to the bottom, the light was turned on, and the race began. As the leaves started carrying out photosynthesis they started to release oxygen making them float. The first group to have five discs cross the finish line won.
