Other factors affecting photosynthesis

• What process do plants use to make their own food?

  Photosynthesis
• Why is the food produced by plants important?

  It is essential for the plants themselves and for other organisms that feed on them
• What are the main factors affecting photosynthesis?

  • Water
  • Light intensity
  • Carbon dioxide concentration
  • Temperature
  • Chlorophyll
• What is often the main limiting factor for photosynthesis in the UK?

  Water
• Why are there no graphs showing the effects of water on photosynthesis?

  Because water is important in many other areas of a plant's life, not just photosynthesis
• How does light intensity affect photosynthesis?

  It fluctuates during the day and is affected by the weather
• How does the rate of photosynthesis change throughout the year in the UK?

  It changes with the seasons
• What is the current concentration of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere?

  About 0.04 percent
• Why is carbon dioxide concentration an important limiting factor for photosynthesis?

  Because it is still very low in terms of being the optimum for photosynthesis
• What is the range of temperatures over which plants can photosynthesize?

  From 0°C to around 50°C
• What is the optimum temperature range for most plants to photosynthesize?

  15°C to around 40°C
• What are the optimum, maximum, and minimum temperatures for the growth of maize?

  • Optimum: 22 - 25°C
  • Maximum: 34°C
  • Minimum: 20°C
• What are the optimum, maximum, and minimum temperatures for the growth of potatoes?

  • Optimum: 15 - 20°C
  • Maximum: 34°C
  • Minimum: 12°C
• What are the optimum, maximum, and minimum temperatures for the growth of rice?

  • Optimum: 30 - 33°C
  • Maximum: 40°C
  • Minimum: 18°C
• What are the optimum, maximum, and minimum temperatures for the growth of soya beans?

  • Optimum: 25 - 28°C
  • Maximum: 40°C
  • Minimum: 10°C
• What are the optimum, maximum, and minimum temperatures for the growth of wheat?

  • Optimum: 20 - 25°C
  • Maximum: 38°C
  • Minimum: 5°C
• How might rising temperatures affect crop production?

  It will likely negatively affect crop production due to climate change
• How does the compensation point differ for shade-adapted plants compared to sun-adapted plants?

  Shade-adapted plants have a lower compensation point
• At what light intensities will shade-adapted plants exceed their rate of respiration?

  At lower light intensities than sun-adapted plants
• What are the gases responsible for global warming?

  • Carbon dioxide
  • Methane
  • Nitrous oxide
  • CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons)
• What is the role of water in photosynthesis?

  • Acts as a solvent for chemical reactions
  • Essential for photosynthesis