B5.1 Photosynthesis Flashcards
Photosynthesis
The process by which plants manufacture carbohydrates from raw materials using energy from light
What is the word equation of photosynthesis?
Carbon dioxide + water –> glucose + oxygen
What is the symbol equation of photosynthesis?
6CO2 + 6H20 –> C6H12O6 +6O2
What is a waste product in photosynthesis?
Oxygen
What is glucose formed by photosynthesis converted into?
Starch and sucrose
Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
- CO2 concentration
- Temperature
- Light intensity
Describe the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis
As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases.
However, high light intensity can sometimes lead to the plant heating above the optimum temperature. This means that temperature would become the limiting factor and the rate of photosynthesis would not be increased by a further increase in light intensity.
Describe the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis
At low temperatures (e.g. in winter), plants photosynthesize slowly as the enzymes have little kinetic energy, thus few enzyme-substrate complexes are made.
At very high temperatures, these enzymes denature, also slowing the rate of photosynthesis.
Describe the effect of carbon dioxide concentration on the rate of photosynthesis
As CO2 concentration increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases