Summary
Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature can each limit the rate at any time.
In depth
Blackman's law: rate is limited by the factor in shortest supply. Light intensity limits at low light, CO2 at high light, and temperature affects enzymes (optimum 25 to 35 °C). Greenhouses may add heat, light and CO2.
On a graph, rate rises linearly with light, then plateaus when another factor limits. Raising the limiting factor alone raises the rate. Temperature has a bell-shaped effect because enzymes denature.
Key idea: in a greenhouse, light, CO2 and temperature can be tuned for maximum growth.
Frequently asked questions
What is Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis?
Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature can each limit the rate at any time.
Which area of biology covers Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis, and how advanced is it?
Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis is one of the 56 topics in Plant Biology. It is rated Intermediate, so it suits learners who already know the core vocabulary. Related topics in this area include Calvin Cycle, Photosynthesis Efficiency Engineering, Germination.
Can you give an example of Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis?
Graphs plateau when another factor becomes limiting.
What should I learn before Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis?
Work through the Beginner topics in Plant Biology first, such as Plant Kingdom, Photosynthesis, Chlorophyll, then return to Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis. Intermediate topics assume the Beginner vocabulary.
What topics are related to Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis?
The closest topics to Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis are Calvin Cycle, Photosynthesis Efficiency Engineering, Germination, Light-Dependent Reactions. Comparing them side by side is a good way to see how the ideas connect.
How can I check that I understand Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis?
Read the summary and the in-depth section, then use the quick check on the interactive lesson for Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis. To practise the whole of Plant Biology, use the Plant Biology quiz.
How is Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis different from Calvin Cycle?
Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis: Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature can each limit the rate at any time. Calvin Cycle: Light-independent reactions in the stroma that use ATP and NADPH to fix carbon dioxide into sugar. Read both side by side and note what each one explains.
How should I study Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis step by step?
First, read the summary and write the definition in your own words. Second, read the in-depth section and note any example. Third, compare it with Calvin Cycle and explain the difference aloud. Finally, take the Plant Biology quiz and come back to this page for any question you miss.