Photosynthesis and limiting factors

• Photosynthesis


  The reaction that plants use to trap light energy
• Plants use light for their source of energy
• Photosynthesis


  • It is an endothermic reaction
  • It takes place in the leaves of a plant
  • Leaves contain the green chemical chlorophyll
• Photosynthesis


  1. Plant takes in carbon dioxide and water

  2. Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll

  3. Carbon dioxide and water are converted into glucose

  4. Oxygen is produced
• Chemical formulas


  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • Water (H2O)
  • Glucose (C6H12O6)
  • Oxygen (O2)
• Light intensity increases


  Rate of photosynthesis increases
• Light intensity is a limiting factor


  Photosynthesis is not as fast as it could be because there isn't enough light
• Carbon dioxide level increases

  Rate of photosynthesis increases
• Carbon dioxide is a limiting factor


  Photosynthesis is not as fast as it could be because there isn't enough carbon dioxide
• Temperature increases


  Enzymes involved in photosynthesis work faster, increasing the rate
• Temperature keeps increasing


  Enzymes denature, decreasing the rate of photosynthesis
• Factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis are: light intensity, carbon dioxide level, amount of chlorophyll, and temperature
• Photosynthesis


  Carbon dioxide + water + light energy → Glucose + Oxygen
• Respiration


  Process that releases energy from glucose in the mitochondria
• Photosynthesis only produces glucose during the day


  Plant cells respire all the time, including at night
• Starch


  Insoluble storage molecule made from glucose, which can be converted back to glucose when needed
• Fats and oils


  Storage form of energy made from glucose in many plants
• Cellulose


  Molecule in the plant cell wall, made from glucose, that gives it strength
• Amino acids


  Made from glucose, used by plants to synthesize proteins
• Peas are a good protein source
• Plants need to absorb nitrate ions from the soil to make amino acids from glucose