Biology Topic Practice

GCSE Biology Limiting Factors

The rate of photosynthesis is affected by several environmental factors. If any of these are in short supply, they become "limiting factors".

Can you identify the limiting factor on a graph?

What is Limiting Factors?

"A limiting factor is any environmental condition that, when in short supply, restricts the rate of photosynthesis, such as light intensity or temperature."

Question 1

Which change would usually increase the rate of photosynthesis if light intensity is the limiting factor?

Question 2

Choose the correct answer: which change would usually increase the rate of photosynthesis if light intensity is the limiting factor?

Question 3

Select which change would usually increase the rate of photosynthesis if light intensity is the limiting factor?

Key Limiting Factors

Light intensity, CO2 concentration, and temperature all affect photosynthesis speed.

Chlorophyll amount can also be a limiting factor if the plant is diseased or lacks magnesium.

Exam Tip

On a graph, when the line levels off, the factor being plotted is no longer the limiting factor.

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