Factors affecting the rate of 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 does the amount of chlorophyll affect photosynthesis?

  Less chlorophyll means less photosynthesis
• What can cause variations in chlorophyll levels in plants?

  Disease, environmental stress, lack of nutrients
• What are the three main limiting factors for photosynthesis?

  Light, carbon dioxide, temperature
• What does the x-axis represent in photosynthesis graphs?

  Light intensity, carbon dioxide, temperature
• What happens to the rate of photosynthesis as light intensity increases?

  The rate of photosynthesis increases
• What does it mean when the graph of photosynthesis plateaus?

  Another factor is limiting photosynthesis
• How does carbon dioxide concentration affect photosynthesis?

  Higher concentration increases the rate
• What happens to the rate of photosynthesis when carbon dioxide is plentiful?

  Another factor becomes limiting
• How does temperature initially affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  The rate increases as temperature rises
• What happens to enzymes involved in photosynthesis at high temperatures?

  They begin to denature and stop working
• At what temperature are enzymes fully denatured?

  About 45 degrees Celsius
• What are the key points about interpreting photosynthesis graphs?

  • Light intensity, carbon dioxide, and temperature are factors
  • Graphs can show multiple limiting factors
  • Curves represent different experimental 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
• Why might farmers pump carbon dioxide into greenhouses?

  To enhance the rate of photosynthesis
• What must farmers consider when increasing crop yield?

  The cost versus the extra yield gained
• What are the main conditions affecting the rate of photosynthesis?

  • Light intensity
  • Carbon dioxide concentration
  • Temperature
  • Amount of chlorophyll
• What are the effects of temperature on photosynthesis?

  • Rate increases with temperature initially
  • Enzymes denature at high temperatures
  • Rate falls to zero when enzymes are denatured