AP Success - AP Biology Conceptual Analysis: Energetics - Photosynthesis

In a research experiment, scientists grew a batch of green algae in a controlled environment with a constant light source. They measured the rate of photosynthesis by observing the amount of oxygen produced over time. They noticed that the rate of photosynthesis increased with the intensity of light until it reached a saturation point.

Describe the process of photosynthesis in green algae and which cellular and sub-cellular structures are involved.

Given the observation that the rate of photosynthesis increased with light intensity, explain how light intensity influences the rate of photosynthesis in green algae.

If the scientists were to introduce a batch of algae that has a higher concentration of chlorophyll into the same controlled environment, predict the effect on the rate of photosynthesis.

The scientists claim that the rate of photosynthesis will not increase indefinitely with the increase in light intensity. Provide reasoning to justify their claim.