Biology Lab Abstract: Photosynthesis

[Eshi]

[SOLVED] Biology Lab Abstract: Photosynthesis

Homework Statement

I am having trouble understanding how increased transmission is an indication to photosynthesis occurring. My teacher gave us the prediction for this lab: if photosynthesis is happening then transmittance goes up.

I know transmittance is light that passes through a substance, and the transmitted light was converted to electrical energy in our experiment so that we could measure it. The data showed that the Chloroplasts with light shining on them had a higher transmittance %.

The Attempt at a Solution

My idea is that a higher % transmittance means that more of the light detected by the machine is transmittance, which would mean that more light is being absorbed for photosynthesis. A lower % transmittance means less light is absorbed because less of the light is transmitted light? This whole thought process is confusing me.

My issue, I guess, is: shouldn't all the light detected by the machine be transmitted light?

 

[Moonbear]

How did you set up your lab? Did you use an indicator dye? If so, which one and how does it work (i.e., does it change color if a reaction occurs, and what is that change?)

 

[Eshi]

yea, that's it, we used DPIP as an electron acceptor, i didn't even think about it, but it does change from blue to clear as it is reduced...can't believe i missed that, thanks for your help