Question

Discuss the factors that influence the rate of photosynthesis.

Answer 1

Definition of photosynthesis:

• Photosynthesis is how plants in the presence of sunlight and chlorophyll utilize carbon dioxide and water to synthesize carbohydrates.

Factors affecting photosynthesis:

• Several factors determine the rate at which photosynthesis occurs in plants:

1. Light intensity
2. Carbon dioxide concentration
3. Temperature
4. Water

Light intensity:

• The light intensity should be optimum (neither too low nor too high) for the photosynthesis to be carried out. If the light intensity is low, then photosynthesis won't occur as sunlight is an important factor in the process. However, if the intensity of sunlight becomes too high, the temperature of the plant would increase, leading to transpiration, which in turn causes the closure of stomata. The closing of stomata doesn't allow the entry of carbon dioxide inside the plants, which leads to the stoppage of photosynthesis.

Carbon dioxide concentration:

• If the plant has an appropriate temperature and light intensity for the process of photosynthesis, then an increase in the carbon dioxide concentration leads to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis. However, if the level of carbon dioxide in the air crosses a certain level, then excess and unnecessary carbon dioxide start accumulating inside the plant, which in turn slows down the process of photosynthesis.

Temperature:

• The optimum temperature for photosynthesis is around 35-40$°$ C. An increase in temperature beyond the optimum temperature (35-40$°$ C) leads to the transpiration from the parts of the plant, which in turn causes the closing of the stomata. The closure of stomata blocks the entry of carbon dioxide and stops the process of photosynthesis.

Water:

• Optimum availability of water is necessary for the process of photosynthesis to occur. If the amount of water is less, then the plant stops the process of transpiration, which in turn causes the closure of stomata. Consequently, the process of photosynthesis comes to a halt.