The systems diagram shown is of the photosynthetic rate-CO2 temperature system.

Question

The systems diagram shown is of the photosynthetic rate-CO2 temperature system. Discuss in detail the science, processes, and couplings represented in this diagram. Make sure to cite your work. References to quality sources exclusive of our textbook will increase your grade. Issues that you find debatable in the literature may also increase your grade. Effort, composition, references, quality rationale will be used to grade this assignment. The length of your answer is up to you -- however, this is not easily done in a short answer or without serious reflection on the course content.

(hint - this is not just about plant photosynthesis. Think about multiple Earth systems as might be related, time periods, and feedback couplings (positive and negative) -- think about global warming or cooling.

Explanation / Answer

Photosynthesis systems function by measuring gas exchange of leaves. Atmospheric carbon dioxide is taken up by leaves in the process of photosynthesis, where CO2 is used to generate sugars in a molecular pathway known as the Calvin cycle. This draw-down of CO2 induces more atmospheric CO2 to diffuse through stomata into the air spaces of the leaf. While stoma are open, water vapor can easily diffuse out of plant tissues, a process known as transpiration. It is this exchange of CO2 and water vapor that is measured as a proxy of photosynthetic rate.

There are two distinct types of photosynthetic system;

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