Limiting factors of photosynthesis

• You should then be able to explain how greenhouses are used to increase the rate of photosynthesis
• Photosynthesis equation

  1. Light energy absorbed by chlorophyll

  2. Used to react carbon dioxide with water

  3. To make the sugar glucose

  4. Oxygen is also a product
• Increasing light intensity

  Rate of photosynthesis increases
• Limiting factor

  The factor that is restricting the rate of photosynthesis
• Factors that limit photosynthesis

  • Light intensity
  • Carbon dioxide concentration
  • Temperature
  • Amount of chlorophyll in the leaves
• Increasing carbon dioxide concentration

  Rate of photosynthesis increases
• Increasing carbon dioxide concentration further

  Rate of photosynthesis does not change
• Increasing temperature

  Rate of photosynthesis increases
• If temperature is increased too much, the enzymes in the leaf will start to denature and the rate of photosynthesis will fall
• Greenhouses

  • Farmers use them to increase the rate of photosynthesis
  • They add extra light and heat
  • They also add extra carbon dioxide
• The extra cost of using greenhouses has to be justified by the increase in yield