Photosynthesis Notes

PHOTOSYTHESIS In plants, carbohydrates are crucial for building cell walls and facilitating photosynthesis. An example of a carbohydrate is **starch**, which plants use to store excess glucose. CABOHYDRATES primary role in plants is to provide **energy** to support growth and metabolic processes....

PHOTOSYTHESIS In plants, carbohydrates are crucial for building cell walls and facilitating photosynthesis. An example of a carbohydrate is **starch**, which plants use to store excess glucose. CABOHYDRATES primary role in plants is to provide **energy** to support growth and metabolic processes. **Glucose** is a simple **sugar** that serves as the primary source for most organisms. Plants use glucose for **energy** and to build **starches** for storage. If a plant is unable to produce sufficient glucose during photosynthesis, the **plant\'s overall growth and development will be inhibited** first. This is because glucose is the primary energy source that fuels the plant\'s vital functions and growth processes. During **photosynthesis**, plants often produce more **glucose** than they immediately need for energy. Storing this excess **glucose** is crucial for survival, ensuring access to energy when sunlight or water is unavailable. Since glucose is **soluble** in water, direct storage is difficult and would affect cell osmotic balance. Instead, plants convert glucose to **starch**, a more efficient storage format that does not dissolve in water. Starch is stored as insoluble **granules** in **chloroplasts** (where photosynthesis occurs)