Factors affecting rate of photosynthesis

• There are three main factors which affect the rate of photosynthesis:

  • light intensity
  • temperature
  • carbon dioxide concentration
• if the amount of chlorophyll in a leaf is limited in any way, less photosynthesis will take place
• the leaves of some ornamental plants have white, chlorophyll free areas. these plants grow less than plants with all green leaves
• If a plant does not have minerals, especially magnesium, it cannot make chlorophyll. the rate of photosynthesis drops and eventually the plant dies
• Farmers increase their profits by maximising the yield from crop plants
• greenhouses can provide very controlled conditions
• Transparent walls allow natural light for photosynthesis. Artificial lighting can be added to give a longer day during the winter
• the 'greenhouse effect' allows infrared radiation to heat up the glasshouse
• Gas heaters burning fuel not only heat the glasshouse, which increases kinetic energy and therefore metabolic reactions such as photosynthesis
• Through combustion, gas heaters also give off carbon dioxide, needed for photosynthesis, and water, keeping conditions moist
• plants can also be grown in a hydroponic culture which provides exactly the right amount of mineral ions needed for a particular crop