Factors which limit the rate of photosynthesis

Factors affecting photosynthesis Three factors can limit the rate of photosynthesis: light intensity , carbon dioxide concentration and temperature. Light intensity Without enough light, a plant cannot photosynthesise very quickly - even if there is plenty of water and carbon dioxide.

Carbon dioxide concentration Even if there is plenty of light, a plant cannot photosynthesise if there is insufficient carbon dioxide. Brent Cornell. Cell Introduction 2. Cell Structure 3. Membrane Structure 4. Membrane Transport 5. Origin of Cells 6. Cell Division 2: Molecular Biology 1. Metabolic Molecules 2. Water 3. Protein 5. Enzymes 6. Cell Respiration 9. Photosynthesis 3: Genetics 1. Genes 2. As with any other enzyme-controlled reaction, the rate of photosynthesis is affected by temperature.

At low temperatures, the rate of photosynthesis is limited by the number of molecular collisions between enzymes and substrates. At high temperatures, enzymes are denatured. Chlorophyll absorbs the light required to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose. Chlorophyll is green - so absorbs the red and blue parts of the electromagnetic spectrum and reflects the green part of the spectrum. Leaves with more chlorophyll are better able to absorb the light required for photosynthesis.

These graphs have been plotted with rate of photosynthesis against the factor under investigation. This article has been cited by other articles in PMC. Abstract 1. Smith EL. Photosynthesis in Relation to Light and Carbon Dioxide. Support Center Support Center.