A simple kinetic model for leaf photosynthesis and respiration.

A simple kinetic model for leaf photosynthesis and respiration is described. The model takes into account the different natures of the physical and chemical processes involved in photosynthesis, and examines the response of net photosynthesis to changes in the incident light flux density, ambient carbon dioxide concentration and leaf temperature.It is shown that a quantitative description of the response to light flux density may be obtained. The model qualitatively describes the response of net photosynthesis to changing ambient carbon dioxide concentration and temperature.