Limiting Factors

• Limiting Factor: Factor that controls/limits reaction rate, nearest its minimum value and if increased, it speeds up reaction
• Environmental Factors that may limit photosynthesis rate

  • Light wavelength
  • Water availability
  • Mineral ion availability
  • Light intensity
  • CO_2 concentration
  • Temperature
• Application

  • In summer, atmospheric CO_2 concentration usually limits, but in winter, light intensity and temperature are more likely to
  • Abiotic greenhouse factors can be manipulated to increase crop plants’ photosynthesis rates (increasing yield), CO_2 concentrations can be low; burning methane increases it
  • Light intensity and temperature can also be modified, sometimes, artificial lights are left on night and day