SUN & SHADE MODULE
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The intermediate level module considers the adaptations of plants to their particular light environments. It examines the adaptations of rainforest plants to shade and desert plants to high light environments.
The material is collated from a range of scientific papers and texts and provides a reference that allows the students to work at their own pace. The module is intended to provide a theoretical supplement to practical classes where students examine live specimens. It is suitable for plant physiology or anatomy classes and could be used in mid to senior level classes.
This accompanies the sun shade simulation in the gas exchange module.
CONCEPTS COVERED
OPTIMAL USE OF AVAILABLE LIGHT
LIGHT INTERCEPTION
Leaf Size
Leaf Orientation
Leaf Movement
Leaf Surface Properties
Other Mechanisms
Canopy / Plant Level Summary
ABSORPTION & UTILIZATION OF LIGHT
Leaf Structure
Chloroplast Structure
Absorption of Light: Pigments
Thylakoid Structure
Absorption of Light Summary
PHOTOSYNTHESIS IN SUN & SHADE LEAVES
Light Saturation
Light Compensation Points
Plasticity
Light Attenuation
SUMMARIES
REFERENCES
