Class 11 Botany simulations · Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

Limiting factors of photosynthesis

Count oxygen bubbles from an aquatic plant (like Hydrilla) as you change light, CO₂ and temperature.

Open the simulation

What to notice

Raising a factor that is not limiting changes nothing — the rate follows whichever factor is lowest.

Key relation

Blackman: the rate is set by the factor in shortest supply

Try this

At bright light, increase CO₂ from 0.03% to 0.05%. Then try at dim light.

What you can change

• Light intensity: 0 to 100 %
• CO₂ concentration: 0.01 to 0.08 %
• Temperature: 5 to 45 °C

More in Photosynthesis in Higher Plants

• C₃ vs C₄ plants and photorespiration
• Calvin cycle bookkeeping
• Light reaction: the Z scheme

See all Class 11 Botany simulations or every Physica simulation.