Question

Suppose you are able to manipulate a plants access to components in the photosynthesis equation. drag each label to the appropriate bin to predict how that action will affect plant growth. for each increase or decrease, assume that every other component of the photosynthesis equation is unlimited.

Answer 1

We know that the word equation for the reaction taking place during photosynthesis is:

carbon dioxide + water + sunlight → glucose + oxygen

Therefore, the more the reactants are provided, the more the plant will grow. The lesser the reactants, the lesser the growth. Providing products will not alter the rate of photosynthesis. The factors may be grouped as:

Increase plant growth:
-increase sunlight
-increase carbon dioxide
-increase water

No effect on plant growth:
-increase glucose
-increase oxygen
-decrease glucose
-decrease oxygen

Decrease plant growth:
-decrease water
-decrease sunlight
-decrease carbon dioxide