C2 - Limiting factors of photosynthesis Flashcards
What are the types of limiting factors that impact photosynthesis
Nitrogen availability Magnesium Temperature Light CO2
Why is Nitrogen needed in plants
N is needed to synthesise proteins and nucleic acids, its usually transported as nitrate in the xylem and as amino acids in the phloem.
What does a lack of nitrogen result in
stunted growth of all organs
hindered cell division
Chlorosis
what is chlorosis
a yellowing of the leaves due to inadequate chlorophyll production
How is magnesium transported around the plant
as magnesium ions in the xylem
why is magnesium required by the plant
for chlorophyll manufacture
what does a lack of magnesium lead to
chlorosis
what else is magnesium required for
Activation of ATPase
what is the ideal combination of factors for the maximum rate of photosynthesis
enough light
enough CO2
ideal temperature
how does the amount of light impact the rate of photosynthesis
as the amount of light increases so does the rate
the limiting factor is light
increasing the amount of light has no affect on the rate so therefor there is a different limiting factor such as CO2
How does the availability of carbon dioxide impact the rate of photosynthesis
as the amount of carbon dioxide increases so does the rate so the limiting factor here is carbon dioxide
but after this point where increasing the carbon dioxide no longer impacts the rate there is a different limiting factor at play
How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis
As temperature increases, so does the rate because photosynthetic enzymes work best in the warmth. Here, the limiting factor is temperature.
Most plant enzymes are destroyed at about 45°C. Here, photosynthesis stops and the rate falls to zero.
