Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis in crop growing

Question 1

What factors affect a plant’s rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, water supply, chlorophyll concentration

These factors can either enhance or limit the process of photosynthesis.

Question 2

What is a limiting factor?

Answer 2

Something that constrains the growth or abundance of organisms or populations

Limiting factors can restrict the rate of photosynthesis and overall plant growth.

Question 3

List the factors that may limit the rate of photosynthesis.

Answer 3

• Light intensity
• Low temperature
• Shortage of carbon dioxide concentration
• Water supply
• Low concentration of chlorophyll

Each of these factors can impede the photosynthesis process if not at optimal levels.

Question 4

How can the rate of photosynthesis be increased?

Answer 4

• More light
• Heating towards optimum temperature
• More carbon dioxide
• More water

These additions can boost photosynthesis until another factor becomes limiting.

Question 5

True or False: Plants can photosynthesize in the dark.

Answer 5

False

Photosynthesis requires light; without it, the process cannot occur.

Question 6

What happens to photosynthesis if the temperature is too cold?

Answer 6

The rate of photosynthesis will decrease due to ineffective enzyme activity

Enzymes are crucial for the biochemical reactions involved in photosynthesis.

Question 7

What is the effect of high temperatures on photosynthesis?

Answer 7

Enzymes can denature, stopping the process of photosynthesis

High temperatures can lead to irreversible changes in enzyme structure.

Question 8

How does carbon dioxide concentration affect photosynthesis?

Answer 8

Too little carbon dioxide will slow down the rate of photosynthesis

Carbon dioxide is a key reactant in the photosynthesis process.

Question 9

Why might carbon dioxide be limited in a greenhouse?

Answer 9

Because plants can run out of carbon dioxide even on sunny days

Enclosed spaces can restrict the availability of this essential gas.

Question 10

What role do irrigation systems play in greenhouses?

Answer 10

They help to increase the production of plants by ensuring adequate water supply

Water is essential for many physiological processes in plants.

Question 11

What is chlorophyll and its role in photosynthesis?

Answer 11

A green pigment that traps light to allow photosynthesis to occur

Different plants have varying concentrations of chlorophyll, affecting their photosynthetic efficiency.

Question 12

How do farmers maximize crop yield in greenhouses?

Answer 12

By manipulating conditions such as temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and using fertilizers

These practices create an optimal environment for plant growth.

Question 13

What is the purpose of using a paraffin heater in greenhouses?

Answer 13

To increase temperature to its optimum level and pump extra carbon dioxide

This supports higher rates of photosynthesis and crop yield.

Question 14

What benefits do greenhouses provide for crops?

Answer 14

• Traps sun’s heat
• Reduces pests and pathogens
• Allows for controlled conditions

These factors contribute to healthier plants and higher productivity.

Question 15

What do farmers use to help their crops grow, apart from water and temperature control?

Answer 15

• Fertilizers
• Pesticides

Fertilizers provide essential minerals, while pesticides protect against harmful organisms.

Question 16

Fill in the blank: Farmers must balance the cost of inputs against the _______ of the crop to sustain a successful business.

Answer 16

yield

This balance is crucial for the economic viability of farming operations.