Shortcut Methods
Photosynthesis is temperature-sensitive; the process accelerates with increasing temperature until an optimal range is reached. Extremely high temperatures can denature enzymes and extremly low temperaue can slow down the enzymatic activity involved in photosynthesis, leading to reduced efficiency. Higher concentrations of CO2 can lead to increased photosynthetic rates until a saturation point is reached. Water deficit, such as drought stress, can lead to stomatal closure, reducing carbon dioxide intake and limiting photosynthesis. Plants with access to sufficient soil water can maintain turgor pressure and facilitate gas exchange necessary for photosynthesis. Insufficient soil water can lead to decreased stomatal opening and reduced photosynthetic rates. Within the leaf, three parameters (Leaf orientation, leaf anatomy and leaf age) determine the rate of photosynthesis. Other internal factors such as mesophyll cells, amount of chlorophyll, internal concentration of C02 determine the rate of photosynthesis.
