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Abstract
Spinach and basil (C3 plants) were compared with corn (C4 plant) to
explore how photosynthetic pathways affect CO2 consumption. Corn
seeds were obtained and planted in Miracle-Gro® soil to be observed
over the duration of a month. Leaves (starting from 3,4, and 10) from
each plant were then taken and placed into a bottle and closed off
with a CO2 gas probe that measured levels of carbon dioxide in ppm.
Spinach and basil leaves were used as a comparison for measuring
the rate of CO2 concentration. This is done to compare the gas
exchange rates between C3 and C4 plants. The stomatal area/leaf
area were recorded from each plant as well. Additionally, chlorophyll
was extracted from the C3 plants to determine if there were any
differences among CO2 rates. Our null hypothesis is that plants that
differ in photosynthetic pathways (C3 and C4) will have similar CO2
consumption rates. Our alternative hypothesis is that plants that differ
in photosynthetic pathways will have significantly different CO2
consumption rates. CO2 levels declined more amongst C3 plants,
attributing the higher chlorophyll content.
Publication Date
2025
Subject Major(s)
Biology
Keywords
Gas exchange, chlorophyll, photosynthetic pathways
Disciplines
Plant Biology
Current Academic Year
Senior
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Sierra Beecher
Rights
© The Author(s)