Abstract: A dynamic model of photosynthesis is developed,
accounting for factors such as photoadaptation,
photoinhibition, and the “flashing light effect.” The
model is shown to explain the reported photosynthesis–
irradiance responses observed under various conditions
(constant low light, constant intense irradiance, flashing
light, diurnal variation in irradiance). As significant distinguishing
features, the model assumes: (1) The stored
photochemical energy is consumed in an enzymemediated
process that obeys Michaelis-Menten kinetics;
and (2) photoinhibition has a square-root dependence on
irradiance. Earlier dynamic models of photosynthesis assumed
a first-order dependence of photoinhibition on
irradiance and different kinetics of consumption of the
stored energy than used in this work. These earlier models
could not explain the photosynthesis—irradiance behavior
under the full range of irradiance scenarios—a
shortcoming that is overcome in the model developed in
this work.