Factors affecting photosynthesis

• What are some factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis?

  Soil acidity, wind intensity, wavelength of light, CO2 concentration, light intensity, humidity, temperature, time of year, and availability of minerals.
• What is meant by the term "limiting factor" in the context of photosynthesis?

  A limiting factor is a variable that restricts the rate of a process; if other conditions are kept constant, increasing this variable will increase the rate of the process.
• What is the effect of humidity on photosynthesis?

  Humidity can affect the rate of photosynthesis, as it influences the transpiration rate of plants.
• How does the time of day influence photosynthesis?

  The time of day influences photosynthesis because light intensity varies throughout the day.
• Why is the availability of minerals important for photosynthesis?

  Minerals are essential for plant growth and health, which in turn affects the efficiency of photosynthesis.
• If a plant is exposed to high wind conditions, what might happen to its rate of photosynthesis?

  High wind conditions may reduce the rate of photosynthesis due to increased transpiration and potential damage to leaves.
• What role does ATP play in photosynthesis?

  ATP provides energy for the conversion of 3-phosphoglycerate (3-PGA) to glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate (G3P).
• What happens to glycerate-3-phosphate (GP) during photosynthesis?

  Glycerate-3-phosphate (GP) is converted to glucose.
• What is the relationship between carbon dioxide concentration and the rate of photosynthesis as shown in a graph?

  • As carbon dioxide concentration increases, the rate of photosynthesis increases.
  • More carbon dioxide allows for more enzyme-substrate complexes to form.
  • There is a saturation point where further increases in CO₂ do not increase the rate of photosynthesis.
• What is the effect of water on the rate of photosynthesis?

  Water is generally not considered a limiting factor for photosynthesis.
• Why is water not usually considered a limiting factor for photosynthesis?

  Plants will close their stomata to prevent water loss, which limits photosynthesis.
• What happens when the water potential becomes low enough to limit photosynthesis?

  Plants will close their stomata, reducing photosynthesis.
• What are the limiting factors for the maximum rate of photosynthesis?

  • Light intensity
  • Carbon dioxide concentration
  • Water availability
  • Temperature
  • Enzyme activity
• What is the maximum rate of photosynthesis achieved when all factors are optimal?

  The maximum rate of photosynthesis is achieved when all limiting factors are saturated.
• What is the significance of the saturation level of carbon dioxide in photosynthesis?

  Once saturation is reached, increasing carbon dioxide concentration does not further increase the rate of photosynthesis.