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What is the “limiting factor” during photosynthesis and how do you find it?

User Podkova
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3 votes

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

In photosynthesis, a limiting factor is something that constrains the growth or abundance of any organisms or population. Photosynthesis slows down or stops if the conditions aren’t sufficient enough. The main factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis are light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature. In any given situation, any one of these may become a limiting factor. This means that the factor directly affects the rate of photosynthesis on its own, regardless of the level of the other factors.

To determine the limiting factor during photosynthesis, you would need to observe the conditions and measure these three factors. If one of these factors is in short supply, it could be the limiting factor. For example, if there is plenty of light and carbon dioxide, but the temperature is very low, then temperature is likely the limiting factor. Similarly, at night, light becomes the limiting factor as photosynthesis stops completely without light.

It’s also important to note that at extremely high light levels, the rate of photosynthesis might decrease as the chlorophyll molecules can become damaged. This level varies from plant to plant, which is why some plants need to be kept in the shade, whereas others do well in direct sunlight.

User Manjeet Deswal
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6 votes

Answer:

Light/CO2/temperature/water and more.

Step-by-step explanation:

The limiting factor is the part of photosynthesis that is least in abundance and thusly reduces the productivity of the photosynthetic process, in this case, glucose. If any particular part of photosynthesis isn't as readily available then it will affect the growth of a photosynthetic organism. You can find out the answer chemically/mathematically by calculating the amount of light or carbon dioxide an organism may need and figuring out which item affects the outcome.
For example:

6CO2 + 6H2O → C6H12O6 + 6O2

If this is the equation for photosynthesis and you have 8CO2 but still 6H2O, the outcome will be the same and water would be the limiting factor.

You can also find the limiting factor through experimentation, adjusting the levels of a specific variable such as water and seeing if more product is produced or not.

User Baleato
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