This deep dive covers Limiting Factors within Photosynthesis for GCSE Biology. Topic 1: Photosynthesis It is section 4 of 14 in this topic. Use this deep dive to connect the idea to the wider topic before moving on to questions and flashcards.
🚦 Limiting Factors
The rate of photosynthesis is controlled by whichever resource is in shortest supply — the limiting factor. The three main limiting factors are:
- Light intensity: More light increases the rate — up to a point where another factor becomes limiting.
- CO2 concentration: More CO2 means more raw material for glucose production.
- Temperature: Enzymes work faster with more heat, but above ~40°C they denature and the rate drops.
On a graph, the rate rises with the limiting factor, then plateaus when something else takes over as the new bottleneck.
Practice questions for Photosynthesis
Where does photosynthesis take place in plant cells?
Write the balanced symbol equation for photosynthesis.
Quick recall flashcards
Word equation for photosynthesis?
carbon dioxide + water → glucose + oxygen
(requires light energy)
What is the role of chlorophyll?
Chlorophyll absorbs light energy to power photosynthesis.
It is green because it reflects green light and absorbs red and blue.