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Abstract

A glass electrode is described which is capable of detecting photosynthetic CO₂ uptake by monitoring the concentration of CO₂ dissolved in a small drop of algal suspension. Consideration of current theory suggests that transients should occur in the rate of CO₂ uptake which are similar to but distinct from those observed in O₂ evolution rate. These transients should be most readily observed when cells are illuminated alternately with wavelengths of 650 nm and 705 mn. The preliminary results show that C0₂ uptake by photosynthesis can be monitored by this apparatus. Although transients were not observed, this may be due to the rather low sensitivity. There is a discussion of shortcomings of the apparatus, and of improvements necessary before transients can be observed.