How does temperature affect the rate of photosynthesis?

The chosen answer accurately reflects the relationship between temperature and the rate of photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is a biochemical process that involves enzymes to catalyze the reactions that convert light energy into chemical energy. As temperature increases, the kinetic energy of the molecules involved in photosynthesis rises, which typically leads to an increase in the rate of photosynthesis because more collisions occur, facilitating more effective enzyme-substrate interactions.

However, this increase continues only to a certain optimal temperature range. Beyond this point, if temperatures become too high, enzymes can become denatured—losing their structural integrity and functional capability—which decreases the rate of photosynthesis. This underscores the delicate balance within living organisms that critical processes like photosynthesis can be affected both positively and negatively by temperature changes.

In contrast, other options do not accurately convey these nuances. The idea that temperature decreases the rate at all temperatures overlooks the existence of an optimal range for photosynthesis. Suggesting that temperature has no impact on photosynthesis dismisses the well-documented effects of thermal conditions on enzymatic activity. Lastly, the claim that lower temperatures always enhance photosynthesis fails to recognize that while some photosynthetic organisms can operate at lower temperatures, exceedingly low temperatures can inhibit enzymatic activity, thereby slowing down the process