Limiting factors
These stop photosynthesis from stopping any faster.
Photosynthesis
Process where plants and algae produce food for themselves.
Chloroplasts
Where photosynthesis takes place.
Oxygen
A waste product made by plants in photosynthesis.
Carbon Dioxide
Absorbed by plants for photosynthesis to take place.
Water
Needed for photosynthesis to take place.
Glucose
The food plants produce in photosynthesis.
Chlorophyll
Inside the chloroplasts what gives the plant it’s green colour.
Mesophyll tissue
Where the majority of photosynthesis in a plant takes place.
Xylem and Phloem
Transport water, mineral ions and sucrose around the plant.
Epidermal tissue
Covers the whole plant.
Limiting factor - carbon dioxide
Not enough carbon dioxide slows it down - it increases steadily until it’s optimum then levels off. Light or temperature become the limiting factor.
Limiting factor - light
Not enough light slows it down - it increases steadily until it’s optimum then levels off. Temperature or carbon dioxide become the limiting factor.
Limiting factor - temperature
Not enough heat slows it down - it increases until it’s optimum but if it get’s too hot, the enzymes become damaged and are destroyed at 45degrees. Light or carbon dioxide then become the limiting factor.
Greenhouse
Artificially making the ideal conditions for plants to grow at the fastest possible rate.
Uses of glucose - respiration
Glucose is used in respiration releasing energy enabling them to convert the rest of the glucose into other useful substances.
Uses of glucose - cell walls
Glucose is converted into cellulose for making strong cells walls, particularly in a fast growing plant.
Uses of glucose - proteins
Glucose is combined with nitrate ions from the soil to make amino acids which are made into proteins.
Uses of glucose - starch
Glucose is converted into starch and stored in roots, stems and leaves for when photosynthesis isn’t happening, e.g. winter. It’s perfect because starch is insoluble.
