How does increasing temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

Increasing temperature affects the rate of photosynthesis by causing it to rise up to an optimum temperature, after which the rate begins to decline. In the early phases of the temperature increase, the kinetic energy of molecules increases, leading to more frequent and effective collisions between enzymes and substrates involved in the photosynthetic process.

At a certain point, known as the optimum temperature, the rate of photosynthesis reaches its peak due to maximum enzyme activity and reaction rates. However, as temperatures continue to rise beyond this optimum level, enzymes can become denatured—meaning their structure is altered to the point where they no longer function effectively. This causes a decrease in the rate of photosynthesis.

Understanding this temperature effect is crucial, as it highlights a bell-shaped response to temperature changes rather than a linear relationship or a decline without a peak. This response demonstrates the sensitivity of biological processes to temperature fluctuations, underlining the importance of maintaining an appropriate range for optimal photosynthetic activity.