The number of energy storage molecules that the Elodea plant can make is affected by several key factors related to photosynthesis:
- Light intensity : Increasing light intensity generally increases the rate of photosynthesis, leading to more energy storage molecules (such as ATP and NADPH) being produced. However, there is a limit; too much light can damage chlorophyll and inhibit photosynthesis, causing the rate to plateau
- Carbon dioxide concentration : CO2 is essential for the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions) where it is fixed into sugars. Higher CO2 concentrations increase the rate of photosynthesis by enabling faster turnover of energy storage molecules, but only up to a maximum rate of carbon fixation
- Temperature : Photosynthesis enzymes work optimally within certain temperature ranges. Extreme temperatures can reduce the efficiency of photosynthesis and thus decrease the production of energy storage molecules
- Availability of water : Water is a raw material in photosynthesis and is necessary for the light-dependent reactions. Insufficient water limits photosynthesis and energy storage molecule production
In summary, light intensity, CO2 concentration, temperature, and water availability are the main factors that affect how many energy storage molecules the Elodea plant can produce through photosynthesis
