Limiting Factors
Biology: AQA GCSE Higher, topic 4.1.4
Limiting Factors
A limiting factor restricts the rate of a reaction. The identity of the limiting factor in photosynthesis depends on the conditions faced by the plant.
Winter
- In winter, temperature is usually the limiting factor.
Night
- At night, light intensity is usually the limiting factor.
Warm and bright
- In warm and bright conditions, carbon dioxide concentration is usually the limiting factor.
Mineral-deficient soil
- If plants are grown in mineral-deficient (lacking minerals) soil, they may not absorb enough minerals to produce lots of chlorophyll.
- In this case, chlorophyll concentration can be the limiting factor.
Test yourself on Limiting Factors
Which of these could be a limiting factor for photosynthesis on a warm, sunny day?
What is most likely to be the limiting factor on photosynthesis in a forest covered in snow?
Why can chlorophyll concentration become the limiting factor for photosynthesis in mineral-deficient soil?
What is usually the limiting factor for photosynthesis at night?
A gardener grows tomatoes in a warm, bright greenhouse with plenty of water and minerals, but keeps the windows and vents closed all day. What is most likely limiting the rate of photosynthesis in her plants?