Rate of Photosynthesis

• What does the rate of photosynthesis refer to?

  Speed of glucose and oxygen production
• What factors can affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  Light intensity, CO₂ concentration, temperature
• What is the word equation for photosynthesis?

  Carbon dioxide + Water → Glucose + Oxygen
• What is the symbol equation for photosynthesis?

  6CO₂ + 6H₂O → C₆H₁₂O₆ + 6O₂
• Why is photosynthesis considered an enzyme-controlled reaction?

  Its rate is influenced by external conditions
• What are the limiting factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis?

  • Light Intensity
  • Carbon Dioxide Concentration
  • Temperature
  • Amount of Chlorophyll
• What is the effect of light intensity on photosynthesis?

  More light increases the rate up to a limit
• What happens if light intensity is too low?

  Photosynthesis slows down
• What does the plateau in the light intensity graph indicate?

  Light is no longer the limiting factor
• Why is carbon dioxide important for photosynthesis?

  It is needed to make glucose
• What happens to photosynthesis on hot days in greenhouses?

  CO₂ levels may become low
• What does the plateau in the CO₂ concentration graph indicate?

  CO₂ is no longer the limiting factor
• How does temperature affect photosynthesis?

  Higher temperature increases reaction speed
• What happens to enzymes above 45°C?

  They denature, stopping photosynthesis
• What does the peak in the temperature graph indicate?

  Optimum temperature for photosynthesis
• What role does chlorophyll play in photosynthesis?

  It absorbs light for the process
• How can diseases affect photosynthesis?

  They reduce chlorophyll production
• What is the method to investigate light intensity's effect on photosynthesis?

  1. Place pondweed in water.
  2. Add sodium hydrogen carbonate.
  3. Position lamp at a set distance.
  4. Count oxygen bubbles produced in 1 minute.
  5. Repeat with different lamp distances.
• What do results indicate when the lamp is closer?

  More bubbles indicate faster photosynthesis
• What does it mean if increasing light has no effect on bubble production?

  Another factor is limiting the rate
• What does the inverse square law state about light intensity and distance?

  Doubling distance quarters light intensity
• How do farmers optimize photosynthesis in greenhouses?

  By controlling light, CO₂, and temperature
• What factors do farmers control in greenhouses to increase crop growth?

  • Light: Artificial lighting
  • CO₂: Burning fuel or CO₂ pumps
  • Temperature: Heaters and ventilation
  • Water & Nutrients: Regular watering and adding minerals
• What trade-off do farmers face when optimizing photosynthesis?

  Balancing costs versus profits