AQA GCSE Using the glucose produced during photosynthesis (Biology)
Using the glucose produced during photosynthesis.
The plant has many uses for the glucose that is produced during photosynthesis.
The glucose can be used for:
1.Used in respiration to release energy
2. Conversion into insoluble starch in storage
3. Converted into cellulose and used in cell walls, this will strengthen the plant cell walls.
4. Glucose is combined with nitrate ions which are absorbed from the soil and used to produce amino acids for protein synthesis.
Below is a summary diagram showing the four main uses of glucose in photosynthesis.
Using Glucose in respiration
Glucose contains a store of chemical energy. It can be used in both aerobic and anaerobic respiration to release energy.
The plant can then use this energy for processes such as active transport.
Below is an equation for aerobic respiration.
Below is an equation for anaerobic respiration in plants.
Converting glucose into insoluble starch for storage.
Glucose produced in the leaves is converted into insoluble starch for storage.
The starch can be stored in the stems, leaves and roots of a plant.
For example a potato contains a store of starch.
Starch is insoluble, so it is good for storage because it does not draw water into or out of cells by osmosis.
Converting glucose into cellulose for plant cell walls.
Glucose molecules are joined together to make cellulose
Cellulose forms the plant cell wall
The cell wall strengthens the cell and helps it keep its shape
Using glucose for Protein synthesis
Plants use glucose from photosynthesis and nitrate ions absorbed from the soil to make amino acids. These amino acids are then joined together to form proteins.
Practice Questions
1.State four uses for the glucose that is produced during photosynthesis
2. State the advantage of using starch as an energy storage molecule
3. Describe how a plant produces protein
Factors affecting the rate of photosynthesis
Measuring & calculating rates of photosynthesis
Inverse square law and photosynthesis
Economics of enhancing the conditions in greenhouses
Investigating the effect of light intensity on the rate of photosynthesis