What are the 3 main factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis?

Light - Increasing light intensity, increases the rate of photosynthesis up to a certain point. At this point, either temperature or CO2 level is the limiting factor. CO2 - Increasing CO2 level, increases the rate of photosynthesis up to a certain point. At this point, either light intensity or temperature is the limiting factor. Temperature - Too low a temperature limits the rate of photosynthesis because the enzymes required for photosynthesis work more slowly at lower temperatures. Too high a temperature also limits the rate of photosynthesis because the enzymes become damaged (denatured). Therefore, there is an optimum temperature at which the enzymes are working effectively without becoming denatured.

ER
Answered by Emma R. Biology tutor

4365 Views

See similar Biology GCSE tutors

Related Biology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

I have trouble remembering which muscle contracts and which muscle relaxes during the Iris reflex; could you explain it to me?


Explain why the number of organisms typically reduces along a food chain


Name and briefly describe the function of three organelles possessed by a plant cell. State an organelle that is present in a plant cell but not in an animal cell.


What are the main components of blood and explain their functions.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning