Do you know which factors affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Photosynthesis Quiz
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Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis
The rate of photosynthesis is not fixed and multiple factors affect its overall rate. But, limiting factors only make a difference one at a time, meaning only one factor causes a limit on the rate of photosynthesis. This can be any of the main factors but cannot be multiple at the same time.
The limiting factors are:
- Light intensity
- Carbon dioxide concentration
- Air temperature
- Number of chloroplasts
There are more factors that ultimately affect the rate of photosynthesis but these are considered the main factors you need to know at the GCSE level. If you want to read more about photosynthesis at a higher level, check out this book chapter from Glime, J. M. 2017: photosynthesis – limiting factors.
Is Photosynthesis Endothermic or Exothermic?
Photosynthesis is an endothermic reaction. The reaction requires light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Glucose is then broken down later using aerobic or anaerobic respiration to provide energy in the form of ATP to cells.