Understand Changes in Photosynthesis Graph

In summary, this graph shows that when the concentration of carbon dioxide is suddenly decreased, the amount of RuBP and PGA in leaf mesophyll cells also changes. This is because PGA is produced through carbon fixation, which requires carbon dioxide as a source. The decrease in RuBP also indicates that it is used up in the process of creating PGA. This is known as the Calvin cycle. The link provided can provide further information on this topic.
  • #1
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This graph shows changes that occur in the amounts of ribulose 1,5 - bisphosphate (RuBP) and phosphoglyceric acid (PGA) in leaf mesophyll cells during a six minute interval of sunlight with the concentration of carbon dioxide being suddenly diminished at the middle of the interval.

Can anyone help me understand what's going on this graph?
 
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  • #2
Well, to start with PGA concentrations go down. Can you see why? ie., where does PGA come from? It must have something to do with carbon fixation, right? Why? because you just lost your fixable carbon source when the CO2 levels go to almost zero.

RuBP is used for what? Does it seem like RuBP must be used up in the process that creates PGA? Or not? Hint: Calvin's cycle
 
  • #3
Here is what you need to read if none of the above makes sense.
http://www.rpi.edu/dept/bcbp/molbiochem/MBWeb/mb2/part1/dark.htm
 
  • #4
Carbon Dioxide is a limiting factor, so the rate of photosynthesis will vary.
 

What is photosynthesis?

Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose (sugar) and release oxygen as a byproduct.

What factors affect photosynthesis?

The rate of photosynthesis can be affected by factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and water availability. Changes in these factors can cause changes in the photosynthesis graph.

How does light intensity affect photosynthesis?

Light intensity directly affects the rate of photosynthesis. As light intensity increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases until it reaches a certain point, known as the light saturation point. Beyond this point, increasing light intensity will not have a significant impact on the rate of photosynthesis.

What is the relationship between carbon dioxide concentration and photosynthesis?

Carbon dioxide is essential for photosynthesis as it is one of the reactants in the process. As carbon dioxide concentration increases, the rate of photosynthesis also increases until it reaches a certain point, known as the carbon dioxide saturation point. Beyond this point, increasing carbon dioxide concentration will not have a significant impact on the rate of photosynthesis.

How does temperature affect photosynthesis?

Temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis in a complex way. In general, an increase in temperature can initially increase the rate of photosynthesis, but if the temperature becomes too high, the enzymes involved in the process can become denatured, resulting in a decrease in the rate of photosynthesis. The optimal temperature for photosynthesis varies depending on the plant species.

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