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: Limiting factors of photosynthesis - Photosynthesis - National 5 Biology Revision - BBC Bitesize
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Photosynthesis
Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants use sunlight energy to make their own food. It takes place inside the chloroplasts of plant cells. Part of
Biology
Life on Earth
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Limiting factors of photosynthesis
A limiting factor is simply anything in short supply that prevents photosynthesis occurring at its maximum rate. If photosynthesis occurs more slowly in plant cells then a lower quantity of sugar will be produced and the quantity of chemical energy available for cell growth will be reduced. There are three important factors that can limit the rate of photosynthesis: 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.