The correct option is F.F. Blackman.
Explanation
Photosynthesis is a physiological process influenced by several external and internal factors such as light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and water. When a process is conditioned as to its rapidity by a number of separate factors, the rate of the process is limited by the pace of the slowest factor.
Detailed Analysis
- F.F. Blackman (Correct): In 1905, F.F. Blackman proposed the Law of Limiting Factors. The law states that if a chemical process is affected by more than one factor, its rate will be determined by the factor which is nearest to its minimal value. This factor directly affects the process if its quantity is changed.
- Melvin Calvin: He is renowned for tracing the path of carbon in photosynthesis using radioactive isotopes, leading to the discovery of the C3 cycle (Calvin cycle).
- Julius von Sachs: He provided evidence that glucose is produced when plants grow and is usually stored as starch. He also identified the location of chlorophyll within chloroplasts.
- Jan Ingenhousz: He demonstrated that sunlight is essential to the plant process that purifies the air fouled by burning candles or breathing animals.
Key Takeaway: The Law of Limiting Factors, which governs the rate of physiological processes affected by multiple variables, was formulated by F.F. Blackman in 1905.