Q10 law in biology coursework on photosynthesis

How do I apply the Q10 law thingymajog to my coursework on how temp affects the rate of photosynthesis at diff light intensities? I have to do somethign with the graph? Ahh, I am so confused and lost. Help!

Reply 1

idiopathic

It's what happens to the rate of reaction if the temperature increases by 10 degrees.

So if at 10degrees the rate = 2 [units], and at 20 degrees the rate = 4 [units]; then Q10 = 4/2 = 2.

The equation is:

Q_{10} = \frac {rate \ of \ reaction \ at \ (T \ + \ 10)}{rate \ of \ reaction \ at \ T}

hth.

Reply 2

gaming_goddess

wow I didn't know there was a a formula: that's pretty funky. BTW loving your sig endeavour :biggrin:

Reply 3

idiopathic

Oh also, remember that Q10 is likely to be only applicable for temperatures up to about ~50 degrees/the optimum temperature above which enzymes start denaturing leading to the reaction rate decreasing.