Factors Affecting Photosynthesis + Respiration

Question 1

Increasing the substrate concentration in Photosynthesis:

Answer 1

Increasing CO2 concentration increases the rate of photosynthesis. Eventually the rate plateaus because the enzymes controlling each reaction become saturated and other factors become limiting.

Question 2

Increasing the substrate concentration in Respiration:

Answer 2

Increasing O2 concentration increases the rate of respiration. Eventually the rate plateaus because the enzymes controlling each reaction become saturated and other factors become limiting.

Question 3

What is the effect of increasing temperature?

Answer 3

Increasing temperature increases the rate of the process, as collisions between enzymes and substrate occur more frequently. If the temp gets too high the enzymes denature and the activity stops.

Question 4

What is the effect of co-factors and inhibitors?

Answer 4

Cofactors such as NADP+ and NAD+ help carry electrons (on the H) between enzymes.
Some substances act as inhibitors by binding to the enzymes active site or altering their shape.

Question 5

What is the effect of increasing pH?

Answer 5

Extreme changes in pH can cause enzymes to denature as the H+ and OH- interfere with the intermolecular bonds within the enzyme distorting their shape.