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Difficulty: MediumPlant Biology and Photosynthesis

Green plants produce simple sugars during photosynthesis to fuel cellular activities and store remaining energy for later use. What complex carbohydrate serves as the primary energy storage molecule in plant tissues?

  1. A
    Glycogen
  2. StarchAnswer
  3. C
    Cellulose
  4. D
    Carbon dioxide

Answer

Starch serves as the primary energy storage carbohydrate in plant tissues.
During photosynthesis, plants manufacture glucose to support cellular processes. To store surplus energy without upsetting cellular osmotic balance, plant cells polymerize glucose into starch (composed of amylose and amylopectin) and store it in chloroplasts, roots, tubers, and seeds.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the direct carbohydrate product of photosynthesis
Photosynthesis produces glucose (C6H12O6C_6H_{12}O_6), a simple monosaccharide sugar.
Plants convert solar energy into chemical bond energy in the form of simple sugars.
2
Determine how plants package excess glucose for long-term reserves
Excess glucose molecules are bonded together into large, insoluble polymers known as starch.
Accumulating free glucose would disrupt intracellular osmotic pressure, whereas starch allows compact, non-reactive energy storage.
3
Distinguish starch from structural carbohydrates and animal energy reserves
Starch functions specifically for plant energy storage, unlike cellulose (structural support in cell walls) or glycogen (energy storage in animals).
Different polysaccharide linkages dictate whether a carbohydrate molecule serves a structural or metabolic role.

Key Concept

Plant carbohydrate synthesis, energy storage, and polysaccharide functions
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Plant Biology and Photosynthesis

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