Limiting factors of photosynthesis

• Limiting Factor


  • A limiting factor is a factor that affects the rate of a reaction. The rate cannot increase unless the value of the limiting factor is increased
  • In photosynthesis, the limiting factors are light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature
• Photosynthesis - Light Intensity As a Limiting Factor


  • As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases. Light intensity is the limiting factor.

  • Beyond point A: Some other factor becomes the limiting factor.

  
• Photosynthesis - Carbon Dioxide Concentration As a Limiting Factor

  • Graph 2: When carbon dioxide concentration is increased, the rate of photosynthesis increases
  • Graph 1 beyond point A: Carbon dioxide concentration is the limiting factor

  
• Photosynthesis - Temperature As a Limiting Factor

  • Graph 3: When temperature is increased, the rate of photosynthesis increases
  • Graph 2 beyond point E: Temperature is the limiting factor