Explain how a moderate increase in (1) light and (2) carbon dioxide could
affect photosynthesis in a desert plant. Address
both conditions for full credit.

1) Moderate increase in light increases the photosynthetic rate

2) Moderate increase in CO2 increases the photosynthetic rate

Explanation:

Photosynthesis is a metabolic process unique to the cells of autotrophic organisms such as green plants. It is the process whereby they synthesize their food in form of sugars (glucose) in the presence of sunlight energy.

The photosynthetic process, although comprises of several reactions and processes, is generally described as the reaction of carbon dioxide, water and light to give glucose and oxygen gas as products. The general equation is as follows:

6CO2 + 6H2O + light → C6H12O6 + 6O2

Since both light (needed to supply energy) and CO2 (carbon source) are reactants of the photosynthetic process, a MODERATE INCREASE in them will INCREASE THE RATE AT WHICH PHOTOSYNTHESIS OCCURS.