RATIONALE

• The rate of CO2 will be measured in the experiment by using the equation: (CO2 used + CO2 released) - (CO2 released)= (CO2 used). This will help to calculate the rate of photosynthesis and respiration processed by the leaves. The equation for this is (photosynthesis + respiration) - (respiration)= photosynthesis.

Green leaves have more chlorophyll than yellow leaves, and chlorophyll stores energy and allows the plant to absorb light energy from the sun. Energy from the sun is a direct reactant for photosynthesis, so when there is more chlorophyll, there is more energy to perform the processes. Also, a lower rate in respiration will lead to a higher rate of photosynthesis. Therefore, the green leaves will have a higher rate of photosynthesis and lower rate of respiration.