Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

Light Intensity

Concentration Of Carbon Dioxide

Temperature

Water Supply
 LIGHT INTENSITY

Light is essential during the light

reaction of photosynthesis.
When the concentration of carbon
dioxide and temperature are
controlled at constant level, the
rate of photosynthesis is directly
proportional to light intensity up to
a certain point.
 Concentration of carbon
dioxide
 Carbon dioxide is needed in the
dark reaction as a raw material
used in the synthesis of
glucose if there is no other
factors limiting photosynthesis
and increase in the
concentration of carbon dioxide
results in an increase in the
rate of photosynthesis.
 Ata very high light
intensity, the rate of
photosynthesis slows
down because the
pigment chlorophyll is
damaged by ultra-
violet rays.
 Temperature
The dark reaction of photosynthesis is
catalysed by the photosynthetic enzyme and
therefore changes in temperature will
affect the rate of photosynthesis.
Generally, an increase of 10 degree Celsius
in the surrounding temperature will doubled
the rate of photosynthesis.
The optimum temperature for most of the
plants are between 25-30 degree celcius.
However, when the temperature is too high
the photosynthetic enzyme are destroyed and
photosynthesis stops altogether.
 WATER SUPPLY
Water is needed for
photosynthesis, however water
is rarely the limiting factor
in photosynthesis because the
amount of water required is
small.
If water is not supplied,
wilting occurs and the stomata
is closed.This prevents the
diffusion of carbon dioxide
into the leaves.As a result the
rate of photosynthesis
decreases as the lower
concentration of carbon dioxide
becomes the limiting factor.