Question
Question: How does \( pH \) affect photosynthesis?...
How does pH affect photosynthesis?
Solution
Hint : Photosynthesis is the technique of converting light energy to chemical energy by green plants and other species. Light energy is absorbed and used by green plants during photosynthesis to turn water, CO2 , and minerals into oxygen and energy-rich organic compounds.
Complete Step By Step Answer:
Photosynthesis involves the activity of enzymes in plant cells, which work best at specific pH levels.
The pH of water is an indicator of how acidic or basic it is. The range of pH is 0 to 14 , with 7 being the neutral value. Acidity is indicated by a pH less than 7 , whereas a pH greater than 7 indicates a base.
Each plant has a best or optimum pH for the activity of its enzymes. Enzymes in plants will denature, stop working, or slow down when the pH levels become too high or too low. Due to which they can no longer perform photosynthesis to their full capacity in the cell. If the pH is appropriate, the rate of photosynthesis will rise to its highest level.
As the pH of the plant moves away from the optimal pH , the rate of photosynthesis reduces.
For photosynthesis to take place effectively, the pH must be neutral. When the pH is 7 , the rate accelerates as rapidly as possible. The photosynthesis takes place at a slower pace when the pH is 5 (closer to rainwater than pH 7 ).
Note :
Plants' growth and survival can be affected by a low pH . Nutrient deficiencies, decreased harvest, and seedling growth rate are some of the negative effects of soil pH on plant growth. Plants require different soil conditions, and some species can grow at lower pH levels than others.