Question

Your classmate is trying to determine the rate of photosynthesis for a fern plant growing in his or her backyard. Your classmate wants to set it up in a way for it to have a high photosynthesis rate. Which of the following setups has the highest photosynthesis rate?

Answer 1

it should be must kept in sunlight and giving proper water.

Answer 2

Answer:

The setup that would ensure highest rate of photosynthesis is

• High levels of light intensity
• Moderate temperature levels, and
• High levels of Carbon(IV)oxide (CO₂)

Explanation:

Here are some of the factors that affect the rate of photosynthesis:

Temperature

The temperature levels at which maximum photosynthetic rates are experienced are at about 6°C to 37°C.

When temperatures go lower or above this range, photosynthesis rates drop.

Hence moderate temperatures for highest photosynthetic rates is between 6°C to 37°C.

Light intensity

Increase in Light intensity has the effect of increasing the rate of photosynthesis up to a certain maximum where the rate becomes constant.

High intensity of light is good to increase the rate of photosynthesis.

Carbon (IV) oxide concentration

Increase in Carbon (IV) oxide concentration levels increases the rate at which photosynthesis occurs.

This rate however increases up to a certain maximum after which increase in CO₂ levels has no effect on the rate of photosynthesis.

This therefore means that high CO₂ levels can only increase the rate of photosynthesis.

Therefore highest photosynthesis rate can be achieved by moderate temperature levels, high CO₂ levels and high light intensity.

Other factors that affect photosynthesis rate include:

• Water - water is an essential part of the process of photosynthesis
• Duration in which plant is exposed to light
• Quality of the light wavelengths
• Oxygen - oxygen levels have been seen to limit photosynthesis in some plants
• Protoplasmic factors
• Chemical compound such as cyanide and hydrogen sulphide gas can reduce rate of photosynthesis
• Blackman's principle
• Air pollutants
• Mineral elements can also influence photosynthetic rates