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.
To help you plan your year 11 biology lesson on: Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 biology lesson on: Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 biology lessons from the Photosynthesis: factors affecting the rate unit, dive into the full secondary biology curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
