Title: Limiting factors of photosynthesis - Photosynthesis - National 5 Biology Revision - BBC Bitesize
Headings: Limiting factors of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis
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Limiting factors of photosynthesis
Light intensity
Carbon dioxide concentration
Temperature

Content: Light intensity
Carbon dioxide concentration
Temperature
It is useful to be able to interpret a graph like the example below. This graph shows the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis at two different carbon dioxide concentrations. Light intensity is limiting the rate of photosynthesis at light intensities of 0 to 3.75 units. As light intensity is increased the rate of photosynthesis increases. At light intensities of 3.75 to 5.5, a carbon dioxide concentration of 0.03 per cent is insufficient and limits the rate of photosynthesis. A carbon dioxide concentration of 0.1 per cent is sufficient and the rate of photosynthesis continues to increase as light intensity increases. At light intensities of 5.5 units and above, a carbon dioxide concentration of 0.1 per cent is limiting and the rate of photosynthesis does not increase even when light intensity is increased. Light intensity is not limiting the rate of photosynthesis at light intensities of five to eight units. As light intensity is increased the rate of photosynthesis remains the same. At light intensities of five to eight units carbon dioxide concentration is limiting the rate of photosynthesis.