Part II: 1. Sugar beets (Beta vulgaris) are a major crop in the Red River Valley of the North. Why do you think the beets have to be harvested and stockpiled in September?
Part III: 1. The anatomy of Beta vulgaris has two major parts: (1) the taproot or beet, and (2) the leaves. What functions do these two parts carry out for the plant?
Part III: 2. What functions do the vascular tissue and stomata carry out for the plant?
Part III: 3. Why do you think level, nutrient-rich, and deep soils are optimal conditions for Beta vulgaris?
Part III: 4. Why do you think long periods of moderately intense sunlight is ideal for Beta vulgaris?
Part IV: 1. Recall the videos you watched prior to beginning this case. Use that information, along with other resources, to sketch a simple diagram of the process of photosynthesis. Include: CO2, H2O, sunlight, ATP, NADPH, carbohydrates, and O2 and identify the light-dependent and light-independent reactions. If possible, also include the intermediary products during carbon fixation.
Part IV: 2. Photosynthesis requires a supply of CO2 as well as H2O and sunlight. How do plants obtain these resources?
This criterion is linked to a Learning Outcome Part V: 1. Graph the data in the tables. Graph should be of the appropriate type; graph should have a title, labeled axes, units. You should make one graph that shows the change in CO2 levels over time.
Part V: What trends in CO2 levels do you notice over the course of a year?
Part V: 2. What may be some possible contributors to the higher carbon dioxide levels found during the fall and winter months vs. the summer months?
Part V: 3. How do those trends correspond to the Beta vulgaris growing season in the Red River Valley of the North?
Part V: 4. Provide an explanation of how Beta vulgaris plays a role in the movement of carbon atoms between living and non-living systems.