What factors influence the rate of photosynthesis?

There are 3 factors that can influence the rate of photosynthesis: light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration and temperature. Light intensity influences photosynthesis as light is required during the photosynthetic reaction; the more light available, the faster the rate of photosynthesis. Carbon dioxide is also needed in photosynthesis; if there is a high concentration of carbon dioxide it will be more readily available to the plant, meaning that there will be a faster rate of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis can only occur at certain temperatures, if the environment becomes too cold then photosynthesis will not occur. If it becomes too hot then enzymes will denature and photosynthesis will not be able to occur, however this is rare in nature. These 3 factors must be present for photosynthesis to occur. If there are 2 factors available, e.g. temperature and carbon dioxide, but another factor, e.g. light, is unavailable, then light becomes the limiting factor and photosynthesis cannot occur.

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