4.2
State the effect of temperature on oxygen production in
the light when the temperature is increased:
(a) from 25°C to 35°C
(b) from 40°C to 50°C.
(1)
(1)



Answer :

Sure, let's analyze the effect of temperature on oxygen production in light, which is a general part of the process of photosynthesis in plants.

### (a) From 25°C to 35°C:
The rate of oxygen production typically increases as the temperature rises from 25°C to 35°C. This is because most enzymatic reactions, including those involved in photosynthesis, become more efficient and proceed more rapidly with an increase in temperature within this range. Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for biochemical reactions, and their activity often increases with temperature up to a certain optimal point. As a result, the overall rate of photosynthesis, and consequently oxygen production, tends to increase.

### (b) From 40°C to 50°C:
When the temperature goes from 40°C to 50°C, the rate of oxygen production may decrease or level off. At such high temperatures, the enzymes that facilitate photosynthesis can become denatured or lose their functional shape. Denaturation is a process where the protein structure is disrupted, and as a result, enzyme activity is significantly reduced or inhibited. This leads to a decrease in the efficiency of photosynthesis, and thus, a reduction in the rate of oxygen production. Beyond the optimal temperature for enzyme activity, the physiological processes involved in photosynthesis are adversely affected, causing a decline in the performance of the plants.

To summarize:
- From 25°C to 35°C: The rate of oxygen production tends to increase due to enhanced enzymatic activity.
- From 40°C to 50°C: The rate of oxygen production may decrease because enzymes can become denatured at higher temperatures.