Limiting Factors Flashcards

All 7 cards in this deck

What is a limiting factor of photosynthesis?

A factor that is in short supply and so holds back the rate of photosynthesis.

What happens to the rate of photosynthesis as light intensity increases (before any other factor limits it)?

The rate of photosynthesis increases (more bubbles of oxygen per minute).

What is the effect of a very high temperature, such as 60°C, on photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis stops, because the enzymes are denatured.

What happens to the rate of photosynthesis as carbon dioxide concentration increases, while it is the limiting factor?

The rate increases, until another factor becomes limiting.

True or false? Fewer small plants grow on a woodland floor where light intensity is low because they cannot photosynthesise enough.

True. Low light limits photosynthesis, so fewer plants per m² survive.

True or false? At high temperatures the enzymes used in photosynthesis are killed.

False. Enzymes are denatured — they are not alive, so they cannot be killed.

Name the three limiting factors of photosynthesis.

Light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature.