Labster has new learning content. Click here to learn more.
Login:
Time to complete course: 20 min.
Need help? Visit our Help Center.
Access 160+ virtual learning simulations
Discover which Labster plan is right for your institution
About Photosynthesis: Algae pigment analysis (NEW) Virtual Lab 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?
Get Started Now
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.
Techniques in Lab
- Hill reaction
- Spectrophotometry
Learning Objectives
- 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
Simulation Features
Length – 20 minutes
Accessibility mode – Available
Languages – English
Examples of Related Standards
University
Biology related 1st and 2nd year
NGSS
No direct alignment
IB
High level content, may support Biology 2.9 Photosynthesis
AP
Supports Biology Unit 2: Cell structure and function
Screenshots of Photosynthesis: Algae pigment analysis (NEW) Virtual Lab Simulation
How it works
A million dollar lab in your browser
Perform experiments in virtual lab simulations to achieve core science learning outcomes.
All our simulations run on laptop and desktop computers, and you can play our simulations without having to install any browser plugins.
Hundreds of hours of science learning content
Our virtual laboratory simulations are aimed at university, college and high school level, within fields such as biology, biochemistry, genetics, biotechnology, chemistry, physics and more.
With access to our simulations, you will have hundreds of hours of engaging, high-quality learning content available to you.
Discover more Virtual Lab Simulations
We currently have 200 simulations that cover everything from biology and medicine to physics and chemistry.
