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Is there a limit to how much photosynthesis rates can be increased?
This is a common asked question in I/GCSE Biology
To maximise plant growth, the rate of photosynthesis must be maximised as the glucose made in photosynthesis is used to make proteins for growth, as well for respiration. For photosynthesis to take place there must be a supply of carbon dioxide, water, a suitable temperature and light to provide the energy for the reactions to occur
- A plant grown in dim light with ample carbon dioxide and water will photosynthesise slowly
- Increasing the amount of carbon dioxide or water will not increase the rate of photosynthesis
- Only increasing the amount of light will increase the rate. In this case, light is the limiting factor
- Initially an increase in light intensity causes an increase in the rate of photosynthesis
- The plant can photosynthesise faster if it is given more light and so light intensity is the limiting factor in these conditions
- A possibility to why the rate of photosynthesis is constant even though more light energy is available is that carbon dioxide concentration is now the limiting factor
- Another limiting factor could be the temperature
- The enzymes involved in photosynthesis are working as fast as they can but raising the temperature would allow the rate to increase further
Reference: https://biology-igcse.weebly.com/uploads/1/5/0/7/15070316/3986379_orig.jpg
Drafted by Catrina (Biology)