Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

Low light intensity lowers the rate of photosynthesis. As the intensity is increased the rate also
increases. However, after reaching an intensity of 10,000 lux (lux is the unit for measuring
light intensity) there is no effect on the rate. ery high intensity may, in fact, slow down the
rate as it !leaches the chlorophyll. "ormal sunlight (usually with an intensity of a!out 100,000
lux) is #uite sufficient for a normal rate of photosynthesis

Carbon Dioxide Concentration
$n the atmosphere, the concentration of car!on dioxide ranges from .0% to .0& '. However, it
is found that 0.1' of car!on dioxide in the atmosphere increases the rate of photosynthesis
significantly. (his is achieved in the greenhouses which are enclosed cham!ers where plants
are grown under controlled conditions. (he concentration is increased !y installing gas
!urners which li!erate car!on dioxide as the gas !urns. )rops li*e tomatoes, lettuce are
successfully grown in the greenhouses. (hese greenhouse crops are found to !e !igger and
!etter+yielding than their counterparts growing in natural conditions.
(he following graph shows how different concentrations affect the rate of photosynthesis.
Light $ntensity
Temperature
An optimum temperature ranging from ,-
o
) to %-
o
) is re#uired for a good rate. At
temperatures around 0
o
) the en.ymes stop wor*ing and at very high temperatures the
en.ymes are denatured. /ince !oth the stages of photosynthesis re#uire en.yme activity, the
temperature has an affect on the rate of photosynthesis.
0raph /howing 1ffect of (emperature on 2ate of 3hotosynthesis
Chlorophyll Concentration
(he concentration of chlorophyll affects the rate of reaction as they a!sor! the light energy
without which the reactions cannot proceed. Lac* of chlorophyll or deficiency of chlorophyll
results in chlorosis or yellowing of leaves. $t can occur due to disease, mineral deficiency or
the natural process of aging (senescence). Lac* of iron, magnesium, nitrogen and light affect
the formation of chlorophyll and there!y causes chlorosis.
Water
4ater is an essential factor in photosynthesis. (he effect of water can !e understood !y
studying the yield of crops which is the direct result of photosynthetic activity. $t is found that
even slight deficiency of water results in significant reduction in the crop yield. (he lac* of
water not only limits the amount of water !ut also the #uantity of car!on dioxide. (his is
!ecause in response to drying the leaves close their stomata in order to conserve water !eing
lost as water vapour through them.
Pollution
3ollution of the atmosphere with industrial gases has !een found to result in as much as 1-'
loss. /oot can !loc* stomata and reduce the transparency of the leaves. /ome of the other
pollutants are o.one and sulphur dioxide. $n fact, lichens are very sensitive to sulphur dioxide
in the atmosphere. 3ollution of water affects the hydrophytes. (he capacity of water to
dissolve gases li*e car!on dioxide and oxygen is greatly affected.