limiting factors in photosynthesis Flashcards
what are the 3 optimum conditions for photosynthesis to occur
1) high light intensity of a certain wavelength - the higher the intensity of the light, the more energy it provides and photosynthesis only uses certain wavelengths such as 680nm and 700nm
2) temperature around 25°C - if the temperature falls too far below the enzyme becomes inactive and if it goes too far above then enzyme will start to denature, the stomata also closes at high temperatures to avoid losing water which causes photosynthesis to slow down
3) carbon dioxide at 0.4% - CO2 consists of 0.04% of the atmosphere, increasing this to 0.4% gives a higher rate of photosynthesis, but any higher and the stomata will start to close.
why do all 3 limting factors need to be at the right level ( not too high or low ) for photosythensis to occur properly
because if anyone of these factors is too high or too low then it will limit photosynthesis
what are the 3 main limiting factors of photosynthesis
1) light intensity - photosynthesis increases with light intensity but after a certain point it wont increase because something else is the limting factor
2) temperature - this also increases the rate of photosynthesis up to a point when light intensity isnt the limiting factor anymore
3) CO2 concentration - this graph also levels off when light intensity is no longer the limitng factor
how can farmers increase carbon dioxide concentration in a glass house
by burning small amount of propane in a co2 generator
how can farmers increase light
1) light can get in through the glass
2) lamps provide light at night time
how can farmers increase temperature
1) glasshouses will trap the heat from the sun which warms the air
2) heaters and cooling systems can be used to provide a constant optimum temperature
3) air circulation systems can be used to make sure the temperature is constant throughout the glasshouse
