photosynthesis & limiting factors

• photosynthesis produces glucose using light

  • photosynthesis uses energy to change carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen
  • takes place in chloroplast in green plant - contain pigments like chlorophyll that absorb light
  • energy is transferred to the chloroplast from the environment by light
  • photosynthesis is endothermic - energy is transferred
  • carbon dioxide + water - (light) - glucose + oxygen
  • 6CO2 + 6H2O - (light) - C6H12O6 + 6O2
• plants use glucose in 5 ways main ways

  • respiration - transfers energy from glucose which enables the plants to convert into useful substances
  • cellulose - strong plant walls
  • amino acids - combined with nitrate ions to make amino acids
  • stored oils/fats - turned into lipids
  • stored starch - stored in roots, stems and leaves, ready for photosynthesis
• limiting factors affect the rate of photosynthesis

  • light intensity, concentration CO2, temperatures
  • it stops photosynthesis from having
  • combined effect on the rate of reaction: night, winter, amount of CO2
  • chlorophyll also can be a limiting factor
  • amount of chlorophyll can be affected by disease