Factors that affect photosynthesis Factors that affect photosynthesis are:
• Light intensity: the more light a plant absorbs, the more energy it has to make food. • Carbon dioxide concentration: the more carbon dioxide a plant can absorb from the atmosphere, the more carbon it has to make food.
• Temperature: some of the steps in photosynthesis are controlled by enzymes. If temperatures become too high, photosynthesis cannot take place.
Light intensity
: Fig. 11.5 A graph to represent how light intensity affects the rate of photosynthesis
Carbon dioxide concentration
: Fig. 11.6 A graph to represent how carbon dioxide concentration affects the rate of photosynthesis
? TEST TUBE
10. Why do you think that light intensity is an important factor controlling the rate of photosynthesis?
11. Suggest how leaves are adapted to absorb as much light as possible for photosynthesis.