Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
I can describe and explain the effects of various factors on the rate of photosynthesis.
Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
I can describe and explain the effects of various factors on the rate of photosynthesis.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The rate of photosynthesis depends on factors including light, chlorophyll, water, temperature and carbon dioxide.
- A factor that when in short supply slows down or limits the rate of photosynthesis is called a limiting factor.
- Increased temperature increases photosynthesis rate up to the optimum (due to increased enzyme-substrate collisions).
- Above the optimum temperature, enzymes are denatured and rate of photosynthesis decreases.
- Increased CO2 concentration increases rate of photosynthesis up to the optimum, when all enzyme active sites are full.
Keywords
Photosynthesis - The process used by producers to make their own food via a series of chemical reactions.
Rate - A measure of how much change occurs per unit of time.
Limiting factor - A condition that when in short supply slows down or limits the rate of photosynthesis.
Enzyme - A biological catalyst that speeds up a chemical reaction without itself being used up.
Optimum - The conditions where maximum rate of reaction occurs.
Common misconception
Students may mistakenly believe that only one factor can limit the rate of photosynthesis at any given time.
The lesson teaches that multiple factors, such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature, can simultaneously influence the rate of photosynthesis.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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Exit quiz
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