Rate limiting factors of photosynthesis

Question 1

Light intensity

Answer 1

-Rate of photosynthesis increases as light intensity increases
-The greater the light intensity, the more energy supplied to the plant and therefore the faster the light-dependent stage of photosynthesis can occur
-This produces more ATP and reduced NADP for the Calvin cycle which can then also occur at a greater rate

Question 2

Carbon dioxide concentration

Answer 2

The more carbon dioxide present, the quicker the Calvin cycle can occur because carbon dioxide combines with ribulose biphosphate in the first step of the Calvin cycle. So rate of photosynthesis increases as carbon dioxide concentration increases

Question 3

Temperature

Answer 3

As temperature increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases because the rate of light-independant reaction increases as it is enzyme-controlled. Only increases rate up to a certain point then enzymes begin to denature.
If temp becomes too high then stomata close to reduce water loss. CO2 can’t diffuse into leaves.