Explain the factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis.

The rate of photosynthesis is influenced by several factors:

Light intensity: More light increases the rate of photosynthesis up to a point, beyond which the rate plateaus. Light is required to provide energy for the light-dependent reactions of photosynthesis.

Carbon dioxide concentration: The higher the concentration of CO₂, the faster the photosynthesis rate, as CO₂ is a key reactant in the Calvin cycle.

Temperature: Temperature affects enzyme activity involved in photosynthesis. A moderate temperature speeds up the reactions, but if the temperature is too high or too low, enzyme activity can be reduced, and photosynthesis slows down.

Water availability: Water is a reactant in the light-dependent reactions (photolysis). Low water levels can limit photosynthesis because the plant cannot produce the oxygen and electrons required for the reactions.

Related Questions:

  1. Define enzyme and describe their characteristics and specifications.
  2. What is the energy of activation? Explain with reference to enzyme.
  3. What happens to enzymes when you increase or decrease: (a) Temperature (b) pH (c) Substrate concentration?
  4. Only the related key can open the lock. How is this fact true for enzymes? Explain with examples.
  5. Describe the structure and uses of ATP.
  6. Describe and sketch light reactions of photosynthesis.
  7. Describe and sketch dark reactions of photosynthesis?
  8. Compare respiration and photosynthesis with examples.
  9. What are the advantages and significance of anaerobic respiration and fermentation in your daily life?
  10. Define enzyme and describe their characteristics and specifications.
  11. Describe and explain the process of aerobic respiration.
  12. Describe the structure and uses of ATP.
  13. Why are enzymes called biological catalysts?
  14. Name the factors affecting enzyme activity. At what pH do pepsin and trypsin enzymes act the best?
  15. What happens to an enzyme when it is frozen below 0°C?
  16. What happens when a protein-digesting enzyme functions in an acidic medium?
  17. How does an enzyme lower the activation energy?
  18. Why are enzymes specific and why can’t each one speed up many different reactions?
  19. Why is a small quantity of enzyme enough for catalyzing a large number of substrate molecules into products?
  20. According to the induced fit model, the active site is flexible. Does it mean that any substrate can attach to this flexible active site? If not, then explain.