Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis

Question 1

Why does an increase in light intensity cause an increase in the rate of photosynthesis?

Answer 1

the plant is exposed to greater light energy, which can energise the chlorophyll within many more plant cells, thus increasing overall photosynthesis

Question 2

What does a light intensity vs rate of photosynthesis graph show?

Answer 2

The rate of photosynthesis will increase with the increasing light intensity until it reaches its saturation point and plateaus

Question 3

Why does a light intensity vs rate of photosynthesis graph plateau?

Answer 3

you’ve reached the maximum possible rate of photosynthesis, or one of the other inputs or requirements for photosynthesis is limiting the rate.

Question 4

What is the limiting factor in photosynthesis?

Answer 4

one of the reactants needed for photosynthesis which there isn’t enough of compared to other factors. You can think of the limiting factor as the ‘weakest link’ that is restricting the reaction from reaching a higher rate. When it is increased, the overall reaction rate will increase.

Question 5

What is the saturation point in photosynthesis?

Answer 5

The maximum rate of photosynthesis can be reached when increasing light intensity, assuming the other factors of photosynthesis are unlimited. This maximum possible rate cannot increase as the enzymes within chloroplasts are operating at their full capacity