- OCR
Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
I can describe and explain the effects of various factors on the rate of photosynthesis.
- OCR
Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
I can describe and explain the effects of various factors on the rate of photosynthesis.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The rate of photosynthesis depends on factors including light, chlorophyll, water, temperature and carbon dioxide.
- A factor that when in short supply slows down or limits the rate of photosynthesis is called a limiting factor.
- Increased temperature increases photosynthesis rate up to the optimum (due to increased enzyme-substrate collisions).
- Above the optimum temperature, enzymes are denatured and rate of photosynthesis decreases.
- Increased CO2 concentration increases rate of photosynthesis up to the optimum, when all enzyme active sites are full.
Keywords
Photosynthesis - The process used by producers to make their own food via a series of chemical reactions.
Rate - A measure of how much change occurs per unit of time.
Limiting factor - A condition that when in short supply slows down or limits the rate of photosynthesis.
Enzyme - A biological catalyst that speeds up a chemical reaction without itself being used up.
Optimum - The conditions where maximum rate of reaction occurs.
Common misconception
Students may mistakenly believe that only one factor can limit the rate of photosynthesis at any given time.
The lesson teaches that multiple factors, such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature, can simultaneously influence the rate of photosynthesis.
Equipment
None required.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following are reactants for photosynthesis?
Q2.What is the correct summary word equation for photosynthesis?
Q3.Where in the plant cell does photosynthesis occur?
Q4.What is the correct summary symbol equation for photosynthesis?
Q5.How is light energy absorbed by plants?
Q6.What effect does temperature have on enzyme activity?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the products of photosynthesis?
Q2.What is a limiting factor in photosynthesis?
Q3.What happens to the rate of photosynthesis at very high temperatures?
Q4.Why does the rate of photosynthesis decrease at high temperatures?
Q5.How does carbon dioxide concentration affect the rate of photosynthesis?
Q6.At carbon dioxide concentrations above the optimum, what limits the rate of photosynthesis?
