Honors Biology
NAME: ________________________________________________
Ch. 8: Photosynthesis
PERIOD: ___________________
DATE: ______________________
Modeling the Chloroplast Activity
___________
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Introduction
Photosynthesis occurs in organelles called chloroplasts found within the cells of plant leaves. A
basic knowledge of the structure of a chloroplast is important in understanding where the phases of
photosynthesis occur. In this assignment, you will design and create a three-dimensional model of a
chloroplast using the provided materials and diagrams as reference.
Objectives
 Design and create a model of the internal structure of a chloroplast using the diagram below
or your textbook.
 Know the names of the parts of the chloroplast.
 Relate the internal structure of a chloroplast to its function.
Materials
 sandwich bags
 snack bags
 cookies
 toothpicks
 tape
 paper for labels
 scissors
 markers
Instructions
1. Examine diagrams of the internal structure of a chloroplast in your text or other resources.
2. Review the structure and function of all parts.
3. Assemble your materials and decide how to best represent the structure in a threedimensional way.
4. Label the following structures in the chloroplast: (each correctly labeled structure = 2 pts)
a. Outer membrane
_____________
b. Inner membrane
_____________
c. Thylakoid
_____________
d. Granum
_____________
e. Stroma
_____________
5. Raise your hand and show Ms. Nguyen your model.
6. Clean up your model:
a. Please save the sandwich bags for the next class.
b. Throw away the toothpicks.
c. You may eat the cookies as long as you clean up your crumbs. 
7. Answer the conclusion questions.
Conclusion
1. What color is a chloroplast? What is the name of the pigment that gives chloroplasts their
color? (2 pts)
2. In which structure of the chloroplast can chlorophyll be found? (1 pt)
3. What is the photosynthetic equation? Circle and label the reactants. Circle and label the
products. (4 pts)
___________________ + ___________________  ___________________ + ___________________
4. In the photosynthetic equation above, where do each of the reactants generally come from?
Which of the products does the plant use and which is the “waste product” of
photosynthesis? (4 pts)