Photosynthesis
Plants use light energy to convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose and oxygen. Investigate how light intensity, carbon dioxide availability, and temperature can affect the rate of this process.
Experiment controls
Adjust the conditions and compare the modelled photosynthesis rate. Change one variable at a time for a clearer comparison.
Plant under changing conditions
50%
No light
High intensity
Increasing light intensity can increase photosynthesis until another
factor becomes limiting.
50%
Very low
High availability
Carbon dioxide is a raw material used to make sugars during photosynthesis.
25 °C
0 °C
50 °C
Photosynthesis uses enzymes. The rate often rises towards an
optimum, then falls at excessively high temperatures.
Record your observations
Record the settings, compare results, and explain which factor appears to limit the rate.
Scientific note: This is a simplified conceptual model,
not a precise biological simulation. Actual photosynthesis depends on plant
species, light wavelength, water supply, leaf condition, and other factors.
The progress animation is not a measurement of glucose or oxygen production.
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