Limiting Factors in Photosynthesis

Question 1

Name the mathematical law that governs the relationship between light intensity and distance from a light source.

Answer 1

The inverse square law

Question 2

Describe the relationship between light intensity and the distance from a light source.

Answer 2

Light intensity is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from a light source

Question 3

What is the equation showing the inverse square law?

Answer 3

Question 4

Describe the relationship between the rate of photosynthesis and the distance from a light source.

Answer 4

The rate of photosynthesis is inversely proportional to the distance from a light source

Question 5

(Exam-style question)

Answer 5

Question 6

(Exam-style question)

Answer 6

Question 7

Describe how carbon dioxide concentration affects the rate of photosynthesis.

Answer 7

• As carbon dioxide concentration increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases
• This is until carbon dioxide is no longer the limiting factor and the rate stays the same

Question 8

Explain the effect of temperature on the rate of photosynthesis.

Answer 8

• Rate of photosynthesis increases as temperature increases, up to the optimum
• This is because increasing temperature increases the rate at which enzymes involved in photosynthesis work
• Rate of photosynthesis decreases once temperature has exceeded optimum
• This is because temperature becomes too high for enzymes involved in photosynthesis, therefore they begin to denature