Various influencing factors of photosynthesis

The process of photosynthesis is affected by various factors- both external

(environmental) factors and internal factors.
A. The external factors are:
i.

Light: Light is an essential factor in photosynthesis as it supplies the

energy necessary for photosynthesis. Although leaves absorb about 80%
of light incident on them, only 0.5 to 4% are utilized in the
photosynthesis process. These characteristics of light cast significant
effects on the rate of photosynthesis:

Quality of light: Photosynthesis can take place only in the

wavelengths of visible spectrum (390 to 760nm). However, the rate of
photosynthesis is not equal in all the wavelengths of visible spectrum. The
rate is highest at the wavelength of 700-900 nm and it is minimum at 470600nm, as green light is reflected by the chlorophyll.

Intensity of light: Generally, the rate of photosynthesis is

greater in intense light than in diffused light. However, extremely intense
light may cause a phenomenon called solarization which results in decrease
in photosynthesis rate.

Duration of light: Photosynthesis rate is higher in intermittent

light than in continuous light.

ii.

Carbon-dioxide: CO2 concentration is quite low in nature, which is much

below the requirement for high photosynthesis rate. So, in laboratory or
in green houses, the CO2 concentration could be increased to bring about
an increase in the rate of photosynthesis. However, very high
concentration of CO2 is toxic and inhibits the photosynthesis rate.

iii.

Temperature: Generally, the optimum temperature range for

photosynthesis is 10 to 35 degree Celsius. The rate of photosynthesis
increases with the increase in temperature in this range. However, the
optimum range varies with the plant habitat. The plants of cold climates
(e.g., conifers) carry photosynthesis at much lower temperature than
those of warm climates (e.g., xerophytes). Extremely high temperature

has harmful effects on photosynthetic enzymes and thus, it may inhibit

photosynthesis.
iv.

Water: Water is an essential raw material for photosynthesis. The rate of

photosynthesis falls down if the water isnt adequately supplied.

v.

Oxygen: Increase in oxygen concentration results in decline of

photosynthesis rate. This phenomenon is seen mostly in C3 plants and not
in C4 plants.
B) The internal influencing factors are:
i.

Chlorophyll content: Chlorophyll is very essential in photosynthesis

as it traps light required for producing energy required in the process.
There is a direct relationship between chlorophyll concentration of
leaves and rate of photosynthesis.

ii.

Protoplasmic factors: For proper rate of photosynthesis, protoplasm

should be sufficiently hydrated.

iii.

Leaf anatomy: The anatomical features of leaves like thickness of

cuticle and epidermis, structure and frequency of stomata, structure
and distribution of vascular tissues, proportion of chlororphyllous and
non-chlorophyllous tissues etc. cast impact on the photosynthesis rate.
This is because these anatomical features influence important factors
like the intensity of light reaching the chlorophyllous tissues, entrance
of CO2, turgidity of cells etc.

iv.

Accumulation of CO2 and other end products: If CO2 or other end

products of photosynthesis accumulate at the photosynthesizing parts
of plants, rate of photosynthesis is inhibited.

v.

Frequency and distribution of stomata: Stomata affects the CO2 intake,

ascent of sap etc. and hence, they are very influential in
photosynthesis.