how plants use glucose Flashcards
When do plants make glucose?
When they photosynthesize
How is some of the glucose produced during photosynthesis used immediately by the plant and algal cells?
They use it for respiration, to provide energy for cell functions such as growth, and reproduction
How do plants use the glucose to respire?
The glucose is broken down using oxygen to provide energy for the cells. Carbon dioxide and water are the waste products of the reaction
What is the energy released in respiration used for?
To build up smaller molecules into bigger molecules
What other substances can glucose be changed into?
Insoluble starch, more complex carbohydrates such as cellulose, and amino acids
What do the plants and algae used this cellulose for?
To strengthen their walls
How do plants make amino acids from the glucose produced during photosynthesis?
By combining sugars with nitrate ions and other mineral ions from the soil
What are these amino acids then used for?
They are then built up into proteins to be used in their cells. This uses energy from respiration
How does algae make amino acids?
They take the nitrate ions and other materials they need from the water they live in
How do plants and algae build up fats and oils?
They use the glucose from photosynthesis and energy from respiration
What do plants and algae use fats and oils for?
They may be used in the cells as an energy store, and are sometimes used in the cell walls to make them stronger
What do plants in particular use fats and oils for?
Plants often use fats or oils as an energy store in their seeds. Seeds provide lots of energy for the new plants as it germinates
