Biology Figures

Rate of photosynthesis against temperature at high and low light intensity

An example figure from the Photosynthesis Rate generator.

Graph of rate of photosynthesis against temperature (°C) with no numbers on the axes: a solid blue high light intensity curve rising to a peak marked Optimum with a dot and a dashed line down to the axis, then falling steeply to zero, and a dashed red low light intensity curve with a low flat top that follows it down at both ends
The rate of photosynthesis against temperature in high light (solid blue) and low light (dashed red), at 0.1 % CO₂. In bright light the rate follows the enzymes: it rises to an optimum near 30 °C, marked, then falls steeply as they denature. In dim light the curve has a low, flat top, because light limits the rate whatever the temperature; only where it is cold or the enzymes denature does it fall away.
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Answer key

  • High light intensity: fastest at about 30 °C, at 12; stops by about 40 °C as its enzymes denature
  • Low light intensity: fastest at about 30 °C, at 3.7; stops by about 40 °C as its enzymes denature

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