Describe and explain how each of the following affects the rate of photosynthesis: light intensity, temperature.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2018). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [7] (light intensity) higher the light intensity the faster the rate of photosynthesis ORA ; limiting factor ; up to a maximum ; (light) absorbed AW + chlorophyll / chloroplasts ; (temperature) rate of photosynthesis increases with higher temperature ORA ; limiting factor ; faster molecular movement / more kinetic energy ; enzymes ; water loss at higher temperatures ; water + photosynthesis ; guard cells lose turgidity / closure of stomata ; wilting ;
2. [3] (animals) cannot make their own food / cannot photosynthesise AW ; plants + eaten ; digested ; assimilated AW ; respiration / release of energy ; use oxygen from plants ; plants use carbon dioxide;