Factors effecting photosynthesis

• Factors affecting photosynthesis


  • Light intensity
  • Temperature
  • Concentration of carbon dioxide in the air
  • Amount of chlorophyll in plants
• Chlorophyll


  Pigment within chloroplasts that absorbs the light energy needed for photosynthesis
• Plants have less chlorophyll


  They won't be able to carry out as much photosynthesis
• Factors that can reduce chlorophyll in plants

  • Disease (e.g. tobacco mosaic virus)
  • Environmental stress
  • Lack of nutrients (e.g. water)
• Limiting factors for photosynthesis are normally light, carbon dioxide and temperature
• Graphing limiting factors for photosynthesis

  1. Plot light intensity on x-axis, rate of photosynthesis on y-axis

  2. As light intensity increases, rate of photosynthesis increases until it plateaus

  3. Plateau indicates another factor is limiting (e.g. carbon dioxide or temperature)
• Graphing carbon dioxide as a limiting factor


  Rate of photosynthesis increases with carbon dioxide concentration until it plateaus
• Graphing temperature as a limiting factor

  Rate of photosynthesis increases with temperature initially, then decreases as enzymes denature
• Multiple limiting factors shown on one graph

  Comparing curves at different temperatures or carbon dioxide concentrations shows which factor is limiting
• How farmers can create optimal conditions for photosynthesis

  • Use greenhouses to trap heat and provide artificial light
  • Pump in carbon dioxide or use paraffin heaters
  • Use fertilizers to ensure essential minerals
  • Use pesticides to control pests and pathogens
• Creating optimal conditions for photosynthesis can be costly for farmers