Section 5: Use of biological resources

• GLASSHOUSES


  Glass building used to grow Plants in an enclosed environment
• POLYETHENE TUNNELS 


  Polyethene tunnel that allows Plants to be grown in an enclosed and protected environment outdoors.
• Enclosed environment traps heat from the Sun

  Creates a warm climate close to optimum temperature of plant enzymes
• Enclosed environment protects crops from the effects of weather - wind and rain, and extreme temperatures
• Creating a warm climate close to optimum temperature of plant enzymes increases rate of Photosynthesis to promote plant growth
• Enclosed environment protects crops from pests or diseases that can inhibit plant growth
• Glasshouse


  Small scale of glasshouses allows internal conditions to be controlled to increase growth via increasing rate of Photosynthesis
• Artificial heating to increase temperature

  Towards optimum for increased enzyme activity in plants for photosynthesis
• Additional Carbon Dioxide released via burning Paraffin lamp

  For Photosynthesis
• Regular Watering

  Enables Photosynthesis
• Enclosed environment creates a warmer climate close to optimum temperature of plant enzymes than if they were grown outside


  Increases rate of Photosynthesis to promote plant growth
• Polyethene tunnels


  Large scale of Polyethene tunnels allows for farmers and machines to work inside to increase crop yield
• Farmers can burn Paraffin lamps to increase Carbon Dioxide Levels in Glasshouses
• Carbon Dioxide


  A gas that can be controlled in glasshouses and is a reactant in Photosynthesis
• As the concentration of Carbon Dioxide increases, the rate of Photosynthesis will increase
• Photosynthesis

  Carbon Dioxide is a reactant in Photosynthesis, the increase in Carbon Dioxide concentration will allow more Photosynthesis to occur
• As concentration of Carbon Dioxide increases

  Rate of Photosynthesis increases
• Rate of Photosynthesis increasing

  Increases crop yield
• As concentration of Carbon Dioxide increases beyond a certain point

  Rate of Photosynthesis will plateau and crop yield will halt
• Optimum enzyme activity for Photosynthesis-related enzymes

  Increases the rate of photosynthesis
• As temperature increases towards optimum

  The rate of Photosynthesis will increase to increase crop yield
• The increase in temperature towards optimum

  Allows optimum enzyme activity for Photosynthesis-related enzymes
• As glasshouses are enclosed, heat from the Sun can be trapped to create a warm climate
• As temperature increases above optimum

  Enzymes involved in Photosynthesis will denature
• Decrease in the rate of Photosynthesis

  Crop yield decreases
• Enzymes involved in Photosynthesis denature

  The rate of Photosynthesis decreases
• ERTILISER

  Contains Nutrients (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) and Minerals to increase soil fertility
• Potassium


  Regulates the opening and closing of Stomata to allow Carbon Dioxide uptake for Photosynthesis
• Phosphates


  Help Plants convert Amino acids into Protein to increase biomass - growth
• Potassium


  Allows enzyme reactions to occur that produce energy in the form of ATP to facilitate active transport of Mineral ions from the soil
• Insufficient Nitrates in Plants

  Can cause poor Plant growth and leaves to turn yellow
• Insufficient Potassium


  Can cause poor growth of flowers and fruits, as well as discoloured leaves
• Phosphates


  Help increase the rate of respiration to release energy for growth
• Fertilisers


  Containing Nutrients and Minerals such as Nitrates, Phosphates, and Potassium, are Water-soluble, and hence can dissolve in Water to be absorbed through Plant roots via active transport
• Insufficient Phosphates


  Can cause poor Root growth and discoloured leaves
• Nitrates

  Help Plants produce Amino acids that form Protein to increase biomass - growth
• PEST CONTROL

  Use of Pesticides (chemicals such as Fungicides, Herbicides and Insecticides) to control pests from consuming or damaging Plants
• FUNGICIDES - Kills Fungi

  HERBICIDES - Kills Herbs

  INSECTICIDES - Kills Insects

  ADVANTAGE

  Efficient as it is a quick method

  Immediate effect

  Targets and kills the entire population

  DISADVANTAGE

  Pests can develop resistance

  May kill other organisms - non-specific chemicals

  Toxic to food chain - bioaccumulation

  Need for continuous application
• BIOLOGICAL CONTROL 


  Natural method to control pests using organisms that feed on pests
• BIOLOGICAL CONTROL

  ADVANTAGE

  Natural method

  No resistance

  Ability to target specific species

  Long - lasting

  Efficient as minimal effort is required

  DISADVANTAGE

  May kill other organisms - non-specific

  Time lag in effect

  Cannot kill the entire population

  Organism may be unadaptable to new environment and die