Photosynthesis is driven by light energy. As a light source is moved further from a plant, the light intensity reaching the leaves drops off dramatically. This relationship is governed by the Inverse Square Law.
Drag the light source in the simulation to observe how the rate of oxygen bubbles (representing the rate of photosynthesis) decreases exponentially as distance increases.
Carbon dioxide is a crucial raw material for building glucose in the light-independent stage. Initially, increasing CO₂ concentration increases the photosynthetic rate linearly.
Use the $CO_2$ slider to add carbon dioxide to the water. Notice that the rate plateaus once $CO_2$ is no longer the limiting factor. At this point, another factor (like light or temperature) limits the process.
Photosynthesis relies on metabolic enzymes (like Rubisco). As temperature rises, molecules gain kinetic energy, causing more successful collisions and accelerating the reaction.
Adjust the temperature slider. Above the optimum temperature (typically $35^\circ\text{C} - 40^\circ\text{C}$), thermal energy disrupts the hydrogen bonds holding the enzymes' tertiary structures together. The active sites denature, halting photosynthesis immediately.
In nature, multiple limiting factors act simultaneously. According to Liebig's Law of the Minimum, the rate of photosynthesis is limited by the single factor that is furthest from its optimal value.
Vary all three parameters in the control panel to see which factor dominates the limits at any one time. Watch the real-time bubble production speed up and slow down accordingly.