Limiting Factors
Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 6.1.9
Limiting Factors
A limiting factor is a factor or resource that's in such short supply, the rate of photosynthesis is limited by it. 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
CO2 concentration, light levels and temperature are all at optimum values. What might be the limiting factor of rate of photosynthesis, and why?
Which of these could be a limiting factor for photosynthesis on a warm, sunny day?
What do you think is most likely to be the limiting factor on photosynthesis in a dark forest?
What is most likely to be the limiting factor on photosynthesis in a forest covered in snow?