Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

What factors affect photosynthesis?

Temperature, Light, and Water Many factors influence the rate of photosynthesis. Among the most important factors that affect photosynthesis are temperature, light intensity, and the availability of water. The reactions of photosynthesis are made possible by enzymes that function best between 0°C and 35°C. Temperatures above or below this range may affect those enzymes, slowing down the rate of photosynthesis. At very low temperatures, photosynthesis may stop entirely.

The intensity of light also affects the rate at which photosynthesis occurs. As you might expect, high light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis. After the light intensity reaches a certain level, however, the plant reaches its maximum rate of photosynthesis.

Because water is one of the raw materials of photosynthesis, a shortage of water can slow or even stop photosynthesis. Water loss can also damage plant tissues. To deal with these dangers, plants (such as desert plants and conifers) that live in dry conditions often have waxy coatings on their leaves that reduce water loss. They may also have biochemical adaptations that make photosynthesis more efficient under dry conditions.

In Your Notebook Explain in your own words what role enzymes play in chemical reactions such as photosynthesis.