Question

Explain the factors affecting photosynthesis

Answer 1

The process of photosynthesis is affected by

1. Carbon dioxide
   The amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is 0.03%. If the amount of CO₂ increases by up to 0.1%, the rate of photosynthesis also increases. But, the rate of photosynthesis decreases, if the amount of CO₂ increases beyond 0.1%.


2. Water
   Water is a very important raw material for photosynthesis. A slight decrease in the amount of water causes the closing of stomata. This results in less absorption of CO₂ in leaves, hence the process of also slows down..


3. Sunlight
   Photosynthesis does not take place in the dark. If the intensity of sunlight is increased slowly, the rate of photosynthesis increases up to a certain point (called saturation point). If the intensity of sunlight increases beyond the saturation point, then photosynthesis slows down.


4. Oxygen
   It is observed that a small quantity of oxygen is essential for photosynthesis, whereas a high quantity of oxygen slows down the rate of photosynthesis.


5. Temperature
   At low temperature the rate of photosynthesis is slow. As the temperature is increased, the rate of photosynthesis also increases up to a certain point. But a high increase in temperature slows down the rate of photosynthesis.