1:2:4 Limiting factors

Question 1

What factors affect the Rate of Photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Any of the environmental factors which prevent the reactions of photosynthesis taking place at their maximum rate. These include light, carbon dioxide and temperature. If all three are present in sufficient quantities then photosynthesis will occur at its optimum.

Question 2

What are the rules of photosynthesis for a limiting factor graph? e.g. on a graph the rate of photosynthesis is greater with a higher temperature.

Answer 2

There’s always only one limiting factor at any time. If you increase a factor and the reaction increases then it’s the limiting factor. If you increase a factor and the reaction stays the same then it’s not.

Question 3

What are the three possible limiting factors?

Answer 3

Light intensity, temperature, CO2 concentration.

Question 4

Why does a factor like temperature increase photosynthesis?

Answer 4

Enzymes are involved and an increase in the temperature means more kinetic energy, more collisions and more reactions.