Analysis of Photosynthetic Membranes & Energy Production in Plants
Basis in Organelle Isolation, Photosynthesis Controls, and Membrane Energy Analysis with 2,4-Dinitrophenol Inhibitor
Abstract
Photosynthesis is a vital chemical reaction for plants. The Hill reaction plays an important role in the overall scheme, transferring electrons, cleaving water, and consequently freeing oxygen. Effects of the inhibitor molecule 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) on multiple isolated chloroplast concentrations were assayed using a redox dye, 2,6-dichlorophenolindophenol (DCPIP). Suspected results proved true, with the expected outcomes showing the inhibitor to hinder photosynthetic reactions. The reduction of DCPIP was shown to cease throughout each sample where the inhibitor was added, showing a significant decrease in the reaction rate for chloroplasts.
