Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

• What do plants need to carry out photosynthesis?

  Light, carbon dioxide, temperature, chlorophyll
• Why is chlorophyll important for photosynthesis?

  It absorbs light energy needed for photosynthesis
• How can the amount of chlorophyll in a plant vary?

  Due to disease, environmental stress, or nutrient lack
• What are the three main limiting factors for photosynthesis?

  Light, carbon dioxide, temperature
• What does a plateau in a photosynthesis graph indicate?

  Another factor is limiting photosynthesis
• What happens to the rate of photosynthesis as light intensity increases?

  The rate of photosynthesis increases initially
• How does carbon dioxide concentration affect photosynthesis?

  Higher concentration increases the rate initially
• What happens to the rate of photosynthesis at high temperatures?

  It initially increases, then decreases due to denaturation
• At what temperature are enzymes fully denatured?

  About 45 degrees Celsius
• What does a graph with two curves represent in photosynthesis experiments?

  Different experiments with varying conditions
• How can farmers create optimal conditions for photosynthesis?

  By using greenhouses, artificial light, and CO2
• What is one benefit of using greenhouses for crops?

  They trap heat and protect from pests
• What do farmers sometimes use to increase carbon dioxide levels?

  Paraffin heaters or CO2 pumps
• What must farmers consider when increasing crop yield?

  The cost of methods versus expected yield
• What are the conditions affecting the rate of photosynthesis?

  • Light intensity
  • Carbon dioxide concentration
  • Temperature
  • Amount of chlorophyll
• How do farmers use conditions to their advantage for crop growth?

  • Use greenhouses to trap heat
  • Provide artificial light
  • Pump in carbon dioxide
  • Use fertilizers and pesticides
• How do different factors limit photosynthesis in graphs?

  • Light intensity: increases then plateaus
  • Carbon dioxide: increases then plateaus
  • Temperature: increases then decreases after denaturation