What is a limiting factor?

What is the ideal combination of factors

for the maximum rate of photosynthesis?

enough light
enough carbon dioxide
ideal temperature (not too hot or cold)
How is the rate affected if one of these factors is restricted?
If one of the factors is restricted, the rate of photosynthesis
will be below the maximum possible rate.
The restricted factor controls how quickly photosynthesis
occurs and so limits the rate. It is called the limiting factor.
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Photosynthesis and light limiting factors

rate of photosynthesis

How does the amount of light affect the rate

of photosynthesis on this labelled graph?
As the amount of light
increases, so does the rate.
The limiting factor is light.

Here, increasing the amount

of light has no affect on the
rate. The limiting factor is
now carbon dioxide or
temperature.

1
light intensity

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What must be increased for

the rate to increase?
Boardworks Ltd 2004

Photosynthesis and carbon dioxide limiting factors

rate of photosynthesis

How does the amount of carbon dioxide affect

the rate of photosynthesis on this labelled graph?
As the amount of carbon
dioxide goes up, so does
the rate. The limiting
factor is carbon dioxide.

Here, increasing the

amount of carbon dioxide
has no affect on the rate.
Light or warmth is now
the limiting factor.

1
concentration of
carbon dioxide

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What must be increased

for the rate to increase?
Boardworks Ltd 2004

Photosynthesis and temperature limiting factors

rate of photosynthesis

How does temperature affect the rate of

photosynthesis on this labelled graph?

2
1
0oC

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temperature 45oC

11. As temperature increases,

so does the rate because
photosynthetic enzymes
work best in the warmth.
Here, the limiting factor is
temperature.
2

Most plant enzymes are

destroyed at about 45C.
Here, photosynthesis stops
and the rate falls to zero.
What is the limiting factor?
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Limiting factors activity

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