What would be the likely impact on the overall rate of photosynthesis if the temperature rises significantly above the optimal range for a C3 plant?

4 views 2 helpful Updated Jul 29, 2026
Appears in NEET UG
Solution ✔ Verified
  • APhotosynthesis rate would continuously increase due to higher kinetic energy.
  • BPhotorespiration would decrease, leading to higher efficiency.
  • CEnzyme denaturation would occur, and stomata might close, leading to a sharp decrease in the rate.
  • DThe light-dependent reactions would be completely unaffected, only the Calvin cycle would slow.
Explanation

Significantly high temperatures can lead to denaturation of photosynthetic enzymes (including RuBisCO and those of the electron transport chain). Additionally, high temperatures often cause plants to close their stomata to conserve water, which limits CO2 uptake. Both factors lead to a sharp decrease in the overall rate of photosynthesis in C3 plants.

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