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Year 11 - Science

Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis

Photosynthesis: factors affecting the rate

Unit Summary

This unit explores factors affecting photosynthesis rates and focuses on planning and conducting experiments. It includes selecting techniques, accurate measurements, data analysis, and evaluating methods to improve reliability and suggest further investigations.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe and explain the effects of various factors on the rate of photosynthesis.

Key Notes

  • The rate of photosynthesis depends on factors including light, chlorophyll, water, temperature and carbon dioxide.
  • A factor that when in short supply slows down or limits the rate of photosynthesis is called a limiting factor.
  • Increased temperature increases photosynthesis rate up to the optimum (due to increased enzyme-substrate collisions).
  • Above the optimum temperature, enzymes are denatured and rate of photosynthesis decreases.
  • Increased CO2 concentration increases rate of photosynthesis up to the optimum, when all enzyme active sites are full.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • photosynthesis: The process used by producers to make their own food via a series of chemical reactions.
  • rate: A measure of how much change occurs per unit of time.
  • limiting factor: A condition that when in short supply slows down or limits the rate of photosynthesis.
  • enzyme: A biological catalyst that speeds up a chemical reaction without itself being used up.
  • optimum: The conditions where maximum rate of reaction occurs.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Students may mistakenly believe that only one factor can limit the rate of photosynthesis at any given time.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

The rate of photosynthesis depends on factors including light, chlorophyll, water, temperature and carbon dioxide. A factor that when in short supply slows down or limits the rate of photosynthesis is called a limiting factor.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'photosynthesis'

The process used by producers to make their own food via a series of chemical reactions. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Students may mistakenly believe that only one factor can limit the rate of photosynthesis at any given time. Correction: The lesson teaches that multiple factors, such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and temperature, can simultaneously influence the rate of photosynthesis.

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