Explain the factors that affect Photosynthesis.
ANS : The factors that affect photosynthesis are : (1) light (2) temperature (3) water (4) carbon dioxide.
LIGHT : Intensity and quality of light affect photosynthesis. Chlorophyll absorbs mostly red and orange regions of visible spectrum. The rate of photosynthesis is more in red and orange light. Rate of photosynthesis increases at low intensity of light and decreases at high intensity.
TEMPERATURE : Photosynthesis takes place in the presence of enzymes. At low temperatures the activity of enzymes is low and the rate of photosynthesis is low. As the temperature increases, the enzymes get activated and the process of photosynthesis accelerates. But at very high temperatures the enzymes become denatured and the rate of photosynthesis decreases.
WATER : The rate of photosynthesis decreases under water-deficient conditions as the stomata remain closed to reduce transpiration. This stops gaseous exchange and hence the photosynthesis as carbon dioxide is not available.
CARBON DIOXIDE : The rate of photosynthesis increases with the increase in the concentration of carbon dioxide up to a certain level. Beyond that level it may have inhibitory effect on the rate of photosynthesis.
|