Question

How Does temperature affect the process of photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Photosynthesis is sensitive to temperature. Photochemical or light reactions are generally independent of temperature and occur in the range of 0 °-50 °C. However, the reactions of the biosynthetic phase or dark reactions are affected by temperature as they are enzyme catalyzed. These enzymes are denatured at very high temperatures. ​The rate of photosynthesis increases with increase in temperature till the optimum temperature after which it declines. The general temperature range for photosynthesis is 10-35 °C. Usually, the rate of photosynthesis doubles with every
10 °C rise in temperature till optimum temperature is reached. Once the optimum temperature is reached, enzyme inactivation causes the rate to decline sharply. Depending on the habitat of the plant, the response to temperature varies. The plants growing in cool temperate regions have a lower temperature optimum as compared to plants growing in a tropical habitat.