These are the factors.
Light
At first as light intensity is increased, the rate of photosynthesis is increased but then it plateaus because of limiting factors. Without enough light, a plant cannot photosynthesise very quickly, even if there is plenty of water and carbon dioxide. Increasing the light intensity will boost the speed of photosynthesis.
CO2
Sometimes photosynthesis is limited by the concentration of carbon dioxide in the air. Even if there is plenty of light, a plant cannot photosynthesise if there is insufficient carbon dioxide.
Temperature
If it gets too cold, the rate of photosynthesis will decrease. Plants cannot photosynthesise if it gets too hot.
Furthermore, the rate drops if the temperature is too high because photosynthesis requires an enzyme, in both light and light independent reactions. The light reactions use ATP synthase, while Rubisco is found in the "dark reactions". Since these are both enzymes, a temperature too high will cause them to denature, which brings down the rate. The optimal temperature that gives the highest rate of reactions is 25 degrees Celcius.
This picture shows the details in the photosynthesis process, and how temperature affects it more specifcally at certain points. For example, it points and helps us to visualize that at 25 degrees C, the rate is at its optimum. This explains why the area saturated with the most plant life surrounds the equator in rainforests, due to the optimal temperature that plants have adapted to taking advantage of.
Water
Humidity
Comments (0)
You don't have permission to comment on this page.