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11 Dec 2025

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Key Factors Impacting Photosynthesis

user profile picture

Joseph McMahon @jrh.mc

Ever wondered why plants grow better in some conditions than others? Photosynthesisdoesn't always happen at maximum speed... Show more

Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis
(Includes some a level content)
Rate of photosynthesis
1. Light Intensity
Light energy is required in ord

Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis

Think of photosynthesis like cooking a meal - you need the right ingredients and conditions, or the whole process slows down. Three main factors control how fast plants can make their food through photosynthesis.

Light intensity is crucial because plants need light energy to power the light-dependent reaction. Without enough light, chlorophyll can't absorb the energy needed to start photosynthesis. More light generally means faster photosynthesis, but only up to a point where other factors start holding things back.

Carbon dioxide concentration matters because CO₂ is a raw material used in the Calvin cycle thelightindependentreactionthe light-independent reaction to build glucose molecules. Higher CO₂ levels boost photosynthesis rates, but again, only until another factor becomes the bottleneck.

Temperature affects photosynthesis because it's controlled by enzymes. Higher temperatures give molecules more kinetic energy, leading to more enzyme-substrate collisions and faster reactions. However, there's an optimal temperature - go too hot and the enzymes denature, changing shape so they can no longer work properly.

Quick Tip Remember that these factors work together - improving just one won't help if the others are limiting the process!

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Biology

106

11 Dec 2025

1 page

Key Factors Impacting Photosynthesis

user profile picture

Joseph McMahon

@jrh.mc

Ever wondered why plants grow better in some conditions than others? Photosynthesis doesn't always happen at maximum speed - it depends on three key environmental factors that can slow things down or speed things up.

Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis
(Includes some a level content)
Rate of photosynthesis
1. Light Intensity
Light energy is required in ord

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Limiting Factors of Photosynthesis

Think of photosynthesis like cooking a meal - you need the right ingredients and conditions, or the whole process slows down. Three main factors control how fast plants can make their food through photosynthesis.

Light intensity is crucial because plants need light energy to power the light-dependent reaction. Without enough light, chlorophyll can't absorb the energy needed to start photosynthesis. More light generally means faster photosynthesis, but only up to a point where other factors start holding things back.

Carbon dioxide concentration matters because CO₂ is a raw material used in the Calvin cycle thelightindependentreactionthe light-independent reaction to build glucose molecules. Higher CO₂ levels boost photosynthesis rates, but again, only until another factor becomes the bottleneck.

Temperature affects photosynthesis because it's controlled by enzymes. Higher temperatures give molecules more kinetic energy, leading to more enzyme-substrate collisions and faster reactions. However, there's an optimal temperature - go too hot and the enzymes denature, changing shape so they can no longer work properly.

Quick Tip: Remember that these factors work together - improving just one won't help if the others are limiting the process!

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What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

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4.9/5

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iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

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Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

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Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

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