5.3.2. Principles of measurement of primary production

Unit 5- Productivity

5.3.2. Principles of measurement of primary production
• The rate of photosynthesis
• The rate of increase in plant biomass.

Rate of photosynthesis
sunlight
6 CO2+ 6 H2O--------------->C6H12O6 + 6 O2
It measures the depletion of CO2 per unit time or the generation of O2. However, darkness has no effect on respiration. The cellular respiration is the reverse process of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis stores energy and respiration use in reproduction and basic maintenance.
C6H12O2 --------> 6 CO2 + 6 H2O

Last modified: Thursday, 5 April 2012, 5:47 AM