How does surface area to volume ratio relate to photosynthesis?
1 Answer
Surface area to volume ratio (SA:V) is important to photosynthesis because plants must balance their need for more surface area to collect sunlight with the fragile nature of the leaves and the rate of water loss.
Explanation:
The equation for photosynthesis is
A greater SA:V means more area for collection of sunlight and
Thin broad leaves provide maximum SA:V, but they also means greater water loss and susceptibility to wind damage.
In drier climates the leaf surface is reduced to slender blades or even to needles to make a smaller SA:V and less evaporative surface.
For example, dill has skinny leaves and thin stems, which means increased SA:V.
Lots of surface area means that there is optimal surface to photosynthesize and produce energy for the plant.
