What are the limiting factors of Photosynthsis

Photosynthesis requires optimal temperatures, high levels of light, and carbon dioxide.

The limiting factor of photosynthesis is the factor with the least favourable level; ie. increasing this will increase rate of photosynthesis.

 

CO2 shortage will mean that conversion of RuBP to GP is limited, and increasing light or termperature will have no effect. 

Low temperatures (below optimum) will mean that the enzymes of the Calvin cycle will have insufficient kinetic energy for maximum rate of photosynthesis. Any increase in CO2 or light will have no effect.

 

Low light intensity will reduce the amount of ATP and NADPH produced by the light dependant reaction, limiting the reduction of GP to Triose Phosphate. Any increase in CO2 or temperature will have no effect.