Light Intensity as a Limiting Factor

What is Light Intensity as a Limiting Factor?

Light intensity limits photosynthesis when it is the factor in shortest supply. As light intensity increases from low values, more light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll and transferred into chemical energy, so the rate of photosynthesis increases. The curve then reaches a plateau, at which point a different factor such as carbon dioxide concentration or temperature has become limiting.

This definition is part of the Plant Nutrition chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.

Concepts related to Light Intensity as a Limiting Factor

• Limiting Factor
• inverse square model
• plateau
• Chlorophyll