Rate of Photosynthesis and Limiting Factors

Question 1

What are the three possible limiting factors?

Answer 1

Temperature, carbon dioxide concentration and light intensity.

Question 2

What effect does temperature have on photosynthesis?

Answer 2

1) As the temperature rises so does the rate of photosynthesis. This means temperature is limiting the fate of photosynthesis.
2) As the temperature approaches 45 degrees Celsius, the enzymes controlling photosynthesis start to be destroyed and the rate of photosynthesis declines to zero.

Question 3

What effect does light intensity have on photosynthesis?

Answer 3

1) As the light intensity increases so does the rate of photosynthesis. This means ought intensity is limiting the rate of photosynthesis.
2) As the graph levels out the rise in light intensity no longer has an effect. Light intensity is no longer the limiting factor; card in dioxide or temperature must be.

Question 4

What effect does carbon dioxide have on the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 4

1) As the rate of carbon dioxide concentration rises so does the rate of photosynthesis. This means carbon dioxide is the limiting the rate of photosynthesis (it is the limiting factor).
2) As the graph levels off the rise in carbon dioxide levels now has no effect. Carbon dioxide is no longer the limiting factor; therefore, light intensity or temperature must be.