B11 Photosynthesis

• Photosynthesis


  Carbon dioxide + water → Glucose + Oxygen
• Limiting factors for photosynthesis


  • Temperature
  • Carbon dioxide concentration
  • Light intensity
  • Amount of chlorophyll
• As light intensity increases


  Rate of photosynthesis increases until another factor becomes limiting
• As carbon dioxide concentration increases


  Rate of photosynthesis increases until another factor becomes limiting
• As temperature increases


  Rate of photosynthesis increases, but at high temperatures enzymes are denatured so the rate quickly decreases
• Inverse square law


  As the distance of a light source from a plant increases, the light intensity decreases in inverse proportion to the square of the distance
• Greenhouses control limiting factors to get the highest possible rates of photosynthesis
• Uses of glucose produced in photosynthesis


  • Respiration
  • Convert to insoluble starch for storage
  • Produce fat or oil for storage
  • Produce cellulose to strengthen cell walls
  • Produce amino acids for protein synthesis
• Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction
• Chlorophyll is the green pigment in chloroplasts that absorbs light energy
• Leaves are well-adapted to increase rates of photosynthesis
• Less chlorophyll in the leaves reduces the rate of photosynthesis
• More chlorophyll may be produced by plants in well-lit areas to increase the photosynthesis rate