Question

What are the 4 limiting factors of photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis:

It is the process by which green parts of plants in the presence of sunlight and utilizing carbon dioxide and water produce carbohydrate sugar and release oxygen as a byproduct

Limiting factors:

1. These are the variables that are present in a limited amount and they can affect the whole process
2. The occurrence and the rate of the process depend on the concentration and abundance of these variables

limiting factors of photosynthesis:

Light:

1. There is a linear relationship between the incident light and the rate of photosynthesis.
2. After a certain light intensity, a further increase in light intensity does not increase the photosynthesis but rather causes the breakdown of chlorophyll, and a decrease in the rate of photosynthesis is observed.

Carbon dioxide :

1. It’s concentration is the major limiting factor.
2. If the concentration of carbon dioxide is low photosynthesis can not occur.

Temperature:

the dark reaction of photosynthesis is controlled by enzymes and hence is much sensitive to temperature.

Water:

1. It exerts its effect on the plant as a whole rather than directly affecting photosynthesis.
2. Due to less water the stomata are closed and the available carbon dioxide is reduced.
3. It also reduces the surface area by causing the leaves to wilt.