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Limiting Factors: J. J. Marshall-Thompson CAPE Biology Bioenergetics 19 September, 2016

This document discusses limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis. It explains that the rate of a physiological process is limited by the single factor present in the shortest supply. Changing the amount of this limiting factor affects the reaction rate, while changing other factors has no effect. The document then discusses several specific limiting factors for photosynthesis, including light, carbon dioxide, temperature, and other nutrients. It notes that while light is often not limiting, carbon dioxide concentration below 0.5% can limit photosynthesis. Finally, the document states that knowledge of limiting factors can be used to improve plant productivity through methods like providing artificial light, increasing carbon dioxide levels, using greenhouses, and fertilizers.

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23 views

Limiting Factors: J. J. Marshall-Thompson CAPE Biology Bioenergetics 19 September, 2016

This document discusses limiting factors on the rate of photosynthesis. It explains that the rate of a physiological process is limited by the single factor present in the shortest supply. Changing the amount of this limiting factor affects the reaction rate, while changing other factors has no effect. The document then discusses several specific limiting factors for photosynthesis, including light, carbon dioxide, temperature, and other nutrients. It notes that while light is often not limiting, carbon dioxide concentration below 0.5% can limit photosynthesis. Finally, the document states that knowledge of limiting factors can be used to improve plant productivity through methods like providing artificial light, increasing carbon dioxide levels, using greenhouses, and fertilizers.

Uploaded by

ShafiqueDeshong
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Limiting factors

J. J. Marshall-Thompson
CAPE Biology
Bioenergetics
19TH September, 2016

Objectives 2
1.5 discuss the concept of limiting factors on the
rate of photosynthesis
1.7 discuss the extent to which knowledge of
limiting factors can be used to improve plant
productivity.

Getting ready for a night out

Limiting factors

When a chemical process is affected by


more than one factor, at any time the rate
of that physiological process is limited by
the single factor which is in shortest supply
and by that factor only (Blackman 1905)

In chemical terms

Reaction rate is first order with respect


to that factor and zero order with
respect to everything else.

Changing the amount of anything else


has no effect BUT changing the level of
the limiting factor affects the reaction
rate

Limiting factors: Graph

Initial linear increase


in photosynthetic rate
where the factor
looked at is limiting

Decrease in Rate of
increase

Finally the graph


flattens out as
another factor
becomes limiting

Light

What is the Effect of Light? What is


responsible for this effect?

Low light is not normally a major limiting


factor except for shaded plants

Cuticles usually protect from very high


light intensities.

Once light is no longer limiting


temperature and CO2 concentration can
become limiting

CO2

Respiration consumes O2 and releases


CO2.

Compensation point is where


photosynthesis and respiration balance.

Low CO2 is a major factor

Short term optimum ~ 0.5%

Long term optimum ~ 0.1%

Some crops are grown in CO2 rich


environments

Temperature

Although light independent, the


Calvin cycle is temperature
dependent as it is enzyme
controlled

Rate doubles for each 10oC to about


35oC => tropics green

Other factors

Chlorophyll concentration.
This is affected by the
availability of Iron,
Magnesium and Nitrogen.

Water. The effect of water


shortage on the reactions of
photosynthesis is difficult to
accurately measure. Why?

Limiting factors and crop


productivity

Artificial Light

Methane burning

Green houses

Fertilizers

Irrigation

CLASS DISMISSED

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