Factors Affecting Photosynthesis o71i

Factors Affecting Photosynthesis Light Intensity Concentration Of Carbon Dioxide Temperature Water Supply

LIGHT INTENSITY Light is essential during the light reaction of photosynthesis. When the concentration of carbon dioxide and temperature are controlled at constant level, the rate of photosynthesis is directly proportional to light intensity up to a certain point.

Concentration of carbon dioxide 

Carbon dioxide is needed in the dark reaction as a raw material used in the synthesis of glucose if there is no other factors limiting photosynthesis and increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide results in an increase in the rate of photosynthesis.

 At

a very high light intensity, the rate of photosynthesis slows down because the pigment chlorophyll is damaged by ultraviolet rays.

Temperature The dark reaction of photosynthesis is catalysed by the photosynthetic enzyme and therefore changes in temperature will affect the rate of photosynthesis. Generally, an increase of 10 degree Celsius in the surrounding temperature will doubled the rate of photosynthesis. The optimum temperature for most of the plants are between 25-30 degree celcius. However, when the temperature is too high the photosynthetic enzyme are destroyed and photosynthesis stops altogether.

WATER SUPPLY Water is needed for photosynthesis, however water is rarely the limiting factor in photosynthesis because the amount of water required is small. If water is not supplied, wilting occurs and the stomata is closed.This prevents the diffusion of carbon dioxide into the leaves.As a result the rate of photosynthesis decreases as the lower concentration of carbon dioxide becomes the limiting factor.