Left arrow black
Back to simulations

Photosynthesis: Algae pigment analysis Virtual Lab

Help Roxy figure out if a mysterious dark algae is able to do photosynthesis using green light and measure this process with the Hill reaction.

Try for FreeTry for Free
Green Checkmark Icon

High School

Green Checkmark Icon

University / College

Logo Taylor's UniversityArizona State University LogoLogo uOttawaLogo Univ. Essex
Labster is used by 1000s of amazing schools and universities
Learn more
Blue Arrow Right
 
Photosynthesis: Algae pigment analysis

About this Simulation

This short, targeted simulation is adapted from the full-length “Electron Transport Chain” simulation.

Find out if a dark colored algae can help with biofuel production. In this simulation, you will help Roxy, the lead engineer in an environmental project, find out if a dark colored algae can do photosynthesis using green light. Use the Hill reaction and spectrophotometry to measure electron flow and find out if the pigments in the algae can use green light for photosynthesis.

Introduction to the Hill reaction

How can we measure the energy generated by photosynthesis? The process of photosynthesis uses an electron transport chain. By measuring the electron flow using the Hill reaction we can know the energy produced by photosynthesis. This reaction uses DCPIP, a redox dye, to measure the electron flow. Now we know the theory we can start our experiment!

Prepare the experimental controls

Our handy virtual assistant Dr. One has already extracted pigments from the algae for you! Now, to check out if the pigments can use green light for photosynthesis. In order to properly test your hypothesis, you will need to prepare and measure your sample, as well as positive and negative controls. Look at the absorption spectra from previous experiments to choose the correct wavelength of light for the spectrophotometer to measure your samples.

Measure photosynthesis

By comparing the absorbance of your pigment sample exposed to green light only in the spectrophotometer to those of the controls, you will be able to figure out if the dark algae are able to perform photosynthesis using green light or not. Will your hypothesis about the dark algae pigments be correct?

Learning Objectives

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Understand properties of light and why pigments are colorful

  • Develop a hypothesis and set up an experiment to test it

  • Understand how to measure the redox potential of the electron transport chain

  • Interpret absorption spectra

Techniques in Lab

At the end of this simulation, you will be able to:

  • Hill reaction
  • Spectrophotometry

How do virtual labs work?

Engage students in science through interactive learning scenarios. Simulate experiments, train lab techniques, and teach theory through visual experiences that enhance long-term learning outcomes.

Green Checkmark Icon

300+ Web-based simulations that can be played on laptops, Chromebooks, and tablets/iPads without installing any software

Green Checkmark Icon

Teacher dashboard to automate grading and track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Embedded quizzes to help students master science content

Green Checkmark Icon

Library of learning resources, lab reports, videos, theory pages, graphics and more

Book a Free Consultation

Relevant Course Packages

All Course Packages
Black arrow right

Get Started Now!

Try Labster with your students right away.
Green Checkmark Icon

Track student progress

Green Checkmark Icon

Assess with embedded quiz questions

Green Checkmark Icon

Invite your students to play simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

Explore over 300 Labster simulations

Green Checkmark Icon

30 days for free, no credit card needed

Start your free trial today to discover the possibilities with Virtual Labs

Integrate with your LMS

Labster integrates with all major LMS (Learning Management Systems) so that educators can use their gradebooks to track students’ performance data and students can keep a record of their work. Labster is compatible with Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle, Google Classroom, Schoology, Sakai, and Brightspace / D2L. It’s also possible to use Labster without an LMS.

How to Integrate Your LMS
Blue Arrow Right

Frequently asked questions

What do students learn in the "Photosynthesis: Algae pigment analysis" simulation?
What is the simulated Biology scenario in this virtual lab?
What other Biology labs does Labster offer?