Factor Affecting Photosynthesis: Overview, Equation, Affecting Factors, Equation, Process

Photosynthesis Process

Photosynthesis is one such process in which light energy from the environment is converted into chemical energy, stored as glucose, by green plants, algae, and some bacteria. This essentially happens in plant cells' chloroplasts, primarily involving light absorption by the pigment chlorophyll and converting carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen.

Photosynthesis is very important in ecosystems, as it forms the base of the food chain and, hence, supplies energy to all living organisms. It also plays a significant role in regulating the Earth's atmosphere, as this process involves the absorption of carbon dioxide gas and the release of oxygen, hence balancing these gases.

There are the factors that may affect the rate and efficiency of photosynthesis: light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, water availability, chlorophyll concentration, mineral nutrients, and pH levels. Knowing the factors is quite important to manipulate photosynthesis to the best in a natural or agricultural setup.

Key Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

The factors that affect photosynthesis include:

Light Intensity

• Light intensity directly affects the rate of photosynthesis.

• As the intensity of light goes on increasing, the photosynthesis rate increases and then levels off when the light saturation point is reached.

• Optimum light conditions vary among plants. Shade-tolerant plants have lower optimum light conditions than the plants that thrive in sunlight.

Carbon Dioxide Concentration

• CO₂ is an essential raw material for photosynthesis.

• With an increase in CO₂, the rate of photosynthesis also increases until the involved enzyme is saturated.

• High CO₂ concentrations can lead to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis and a rise in plant growth.

Temperature

• Temperature affects the enzymes that take part in photosynthesis.

• The rate of photosynthesis alters with temperature rising to an optimum and then dropping due to the denaturation of the enzymes.

• The optimum temperature for photosynthesis varies for various plants but it is normally between 20°C and 30°C.

Water Availability

• Water also acts as a raw material for photosynthesis and helps to maintain the turgidity of the plant.

• Low water availability or drought stress conditions lower the photosynthesis rate by reducing CO₂ uptake due to stomatal closure.

• An adequate water supply assures efficient photosynthesis with healthy green growth in plants.

Chlorophyll Concentration

• Chlorophyll captures the light energy used in photosynthesis.

• The efficiency of photosynthesis is enhanced as chlorophyll concentration increases.

• Nutrient availability and the health status of the plants impact the chlorophyll content.

Mineral Nutrients

• The production of chlorophyll requires essential minerals such as Nitrogen, Magnesium and Iron.

• They are also required in the function of enzymes involved in photosynthesis.

• The lack of these minerals hinders the amount of chlorophyll and ultimately photosynthesis.

• The deficiency leads to chlorosis and stunted growth of a plant.

pH Ranges

• Photosynthesis proceeds within a range of pH and mostly from 6.0 and 7.5.

• pH of the soil and water exceeding the ideal limit may alter the activity of enzymes and nutrient availability, ultimately impairing the process of photosynthesis.

• This is to maintain optimal pH and effective photosynthetic processes.

Internal Factors Affecting Photosynthesis

The internal factors are described below:

Leaf Anatomy

• The anatomy of the leaf, including the cell arrangement and chloroplasts, affects the efficiency of photosynthesis.

• The better the structure of leaves and the more abundant the chloroplasts, the more efficient the absorption of light and the exchange of gases.

Age of the Leaf

• Younger leaves normally have higher photosynthetic efficiency than older leaves.

• Older leaves may have reduced content of chlorophyll and have damaged cell structures that reduce photosynthesis.

Stomatal Conductance

• Stomata are small pores on the surface of leaves through which gas exchange takes place.

• Opening and closing of stomata regulate the quantum of CO2 taken in and oxygen given out.

• They are thus affected by factors such as light, humidity, and CO2 concentration.

Environmental Factors And External Factors

The external factors are described below:

Light Quality Wavelength

• Various wavelengths of light affect photosynthesis Photosynthesis is most effective under blue and red lights and least under green lights.

• Light quality affects light absorption and the efficiency of energy conversion.

Pollution

• Atmospheric pollutants like ozone and sulfur dioxide reduce photosynthetic efficiency.

• Pollutants cause damage to plant tissues and impair stomata functioning and chlorophyll formation.

Altitude

• The altitude affects photosynthesis owing to alterations in light intensity, concentration of CO2, and temperature.

• An increase in altitude is usually associated with an increase in light intensity but a decline in temperature and CO2.

Applications Of Knowledge Of Factors Of Photosynthesis

Factors of photosynthesis have applications in practical fields for studies where one knows:

Controlled Environments For Better Yields

• Optimisation of light, CO₂, water, and nutrients in greenhouses to reach maximum photosynthesis and improvement in crop yields.

• Therefore, controlled environments can be developed so that all the conditions can be controlled to meet the optimum growth of plants.

Genetic Engineering For Photosynthetic Efficiency

• Genetic engineering can bring improvement in photosynthetic efficiency through enhanced chlorophyll content, increased activity of enzymes, and stress resistance.

• Such developments will finally result in an increased productivity of crops and better resistance to environmental stressors.

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