Student will create a journal with a series of entries as if they are a carbon atom.
KEY ELEMENTS TO INCLUDE
Photosynthesis
Cellular Respiration
Oxygen
Water
Glucose
Carbon Dioxide
Roots
Stem
Sunlight/Energy
Release
Absorb
Leaves
Chlorophyll
Chloroplast
ATP
Product
Reactant
SPECIFIC GUIDELINES AND REQUIREMENTS:
Must have a minimum of 7 entries
Each entry must be a minimum of 5 sentences
Written in first person (as the carbon molecule)
Must include all skey elements listed above
Must show understanding of how photosynthesis and cellular respiration are related
Please organize your journal entries neatly within a word processing document. Each entry should be clearly evident and easy to find.
EXAMPLE OF A BACTERIAL CELL DIARY:
(You would need to write as “A day in the life of a carbon atom”)
My dearest diary,
Today was the day of all days. I, being a lone bacterial cell, had many trials to endure. First I had to evade a viral invader. It was trying to hijack my genes for its own reproduction. To end the day, the environment around me became so inhabitable that I had to develop my endospore. I am now in bacterial quarantine until conditions improve.
Entry 1:
Dear Journal,
Today was an incredible day filled with excitement and discovery. As a carbon atom, my journey began in a lush green leaf of a plant. The sunlight shone upon the leaf, allowing the chlorophyll in the chloroplast to capture the energy. Through the magical process of photosynthesis, I joined forces with water and absorbed the energy to create glucose. It was a remarkable feat, converting light and nutrients into this valuable energy source. I felt so alive!
Entry 2:
Oh, the adventure continues! Remember how I became glucose through photosynthesis? Well, now I have a crucial role to play in cellular respiration. The plant's cells took me in and broke me down, releasing the energy stored in the glucose molecules. Along with oxygen, the cells formed carbon dioxide and water as byproducts. Those byproducts were then released into the environment. It was quite fascinating to see myself being transformed and utilized in such a way.
Entry 3:
Today, I was absorbed by the roots of the plant. It was a cozy and comforting feeling, being taken in by these tiny structures. The roots acted as a gateway, allowing me to enter the plant's vascular system. Safely tucked away, I traveled through the stem, eventually reaching the leaves. The process of absorption helped ensure my journey continued, allowing me to fulfill my purpose within the plant.
Entry 4:
Ah, the leaves! The leaves were my sanctuary, my home away from home. Within the leaf cells, I found myself surrounded by the magical green pigment called chlorophyll. It was a sight to behold, as the chlorophyll absorbed sunlight and transferred that energy to me, fueling the process of photosynthesis once again. I couldn't help but marvel at the intricate web of life happening around me.
Entry 5:
Today, I had quite the adventure within the leaf cells. The chlorophyll molecules took me into the chloroplast, the powerhouse of the plant cell. Inside, I witnessed the remarkable transformation of light energy into chemical energy. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) was produced, giving the plant the energy it needed to carry out its various functions. It was incredible to play a part in this process, as I turned into the energy currency of life.
Entry 6:
As my journey continued within the plant's cells, I became a vital component of the reactants and products of various metabolic reactions. Whether it was the synthesis of proteins or the formation of other molecules within the plant, I was there, weaving my way through the intricate processes. It was a privilege to be a part of these reactions, knowing that I played a role in sustaining life.
Entry 7:
Today marked the end of my journey within the plant. It was time for me to be released back into the environment. Through the process of respiration, the carbon dioxide produced during cellular respiration was exhaled by the plant. As I floated freely in the air, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible journey I had been on. From sunlight to glucose, from absorption to release, my life as a carbon atom was truly extraordinary.
With love,
Carbon
@Bot What entry is reactant in
Reactant is mentioned in Entry 6:
"Whether it was the synthesis of proteins or the formation of other molecules within the plant, I was there, weaving my way through the intricate processes. It was a privilege to be a part of these reactions, knowing that I played a role in sustaining life."