How Fast Does a Plant Go Through Photosynthesis?

The plant's leaves are where photosynthesis occurs.

Photosynthesis is the process that all plants undergo in order to turn sunlight into energy. The rate of photosynthesis depends on a number of external factors.

Time Frame

Photosynthesis often happens in a matter of minutes if all of the variables are constant. This can range from as fast as every five minutes to as slow as every 20 minutes.

Size

All plants go through photosynthesis at varying speeds because they have different energy requirements. For example, a large fruit tree may go through the process more frequently than a smaller plant because the large plant needs more energy to grow and produce blossoms and fruit.

Seasons

If the weather is colder as seen in early spring and late fall, the plant's enzymes are too cold to function properly, which slows down photosynthesis. An increase of 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, however, will increase the rate of photosynthesis back to normal levels.

Fun Fact

Some crops have genetically engineered photosynthesis rates. One example of this is a type of rice that is spliced with corn genes that processes sunlight faster.

References

• Science Direct: Enhanced Photosynthesis Rate in genetically engineered indica Rice Expressing pepc Gene Cloned from Maize
• Biology Online: Photosynthetic Rates

Resources

• Neil Johan: Rate of Photosynthesis