What are the limiting factors of photosynthesis?

The limiting factors of photosynthesis are light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature.

Photosynthesis is a process that plants use to convert light energy, usually from the sun, into chemical energy that can be later released to fuel the organisms' activities. This process is influenced by three main factors: light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. Each of these factors can limit the rate of photosynthesis if they are not at the optimal level.

Light intensity is a crucial factor because photosynthesis is a light-dependent process. The rate of photosynthesis increases with light intensity up to a certain point, beyond which it plateaus as the photosynthetic apparatus becomes saturated. This means that there is a maximum rate of photosynthesis that can be achieved, regardless of how much additional light is provided.

Carbon dioxide concentration is another limiting factor. Photosynthesis requires carbon dioxide to produce glucose in the Calvin cycle. If the concentration of carbon dioxide is low, the rate of photosynthesis will decrease because the plant cannot produce as much glucose. However, similar to light intensity, increasing the carbon dioxide concentration beyond a certain point will not increase the rate of photosynthesis because the enzymes involved in the process are already working at their maximum rate.

Temperature also plays a significant role in photosynthesis. The enzymes that facilitate photosynthesis operate best within a certain temperature range. If the temperature is too low, the enzymes work slowly, reducing the rate of photosynthesis. Conversely, if the temperature is too high, the enzymes can denature, or lose their shape, which also reduces the rate of photosynthesis.

In conclusion, the rate of photosynthesis can be limited by light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. Understanding these limiting factors is crucial for optimising the growth and productivity of plants.