Describe various factors which affect the rate of photosynthesis.
Answers
CO2 concentration temperature water affect the rate of photosynthesis
"The three major rate limiting factors for photosynthesis are:
1. Light intensity
Photosynthetic rate generally increases with increase in light intensity (very low to moderate). It saturates at a particular point and this saturation is actually due to the other limiting factors coming into play.
At very high intensities (which do not occur naturally), photobleaching of the pigments occur and so the rate of photosynthesis drops.
2. Concentration of carbon dioxide
Similar to light intensity, the rate of photosynthesis increases with increase in concentration of carbon dioxide and saturates when all the RuBisCo enzymes available in the plant are occupied.
3. Temperature
Since photosynthesis is process involving a number of enzymes, temperature plays a major role in the rate of activity. In the optimal temperature range, the rate of photosynthesis peaks.
Beneath the optimal range, the rate decreases as the enzymes’ mobility is restricted. Beyond the optimal range, the rate decreases as the enzymes denature.
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