Outline the subsequent use and storage of the carbohydrates made in photosynthesis.

Immediate Use – Energy & Growth

Just as you need energy to run, plants use glucose in the mitochondria to produce ATP $$\text{ATP}$$ for growth, cell division, and repairing damage. This is the plant’s “instant‑cash” for everyday tasks.

Exam Tip: Remember that glucose is the main product of photosynthesis and is immediately used for ATP production. In questions, look for clues about energy or growth when glucose is mentioned.

Storage in Leaves – The “Pantry”

Leaves store excess glucose as starch $$\text{C}_6\text{H}_{10}\text{O}_5$$ in chloroplasts. Think of it as a pantry that keeps food ready for later use. When the plant needs energy, starch is broken down back into glucose.

Storage in Stems and Roots – The “Bank”

Stems and roots act like a bank, storing sugars as starch and other carbohydrates. Roots store starch for seed germination, while stems store it for flowering and fruiting. This stored energy can be used when sunlight is scarce.

Storage in Seeds and Fruits – The “Future Fund”

During seed development, sugars are converted into starch and other storage compounds. When a seed germinates, it uses this stored energy to grow before photosynthesis starts. Fruits store sugars as sucrose $$\text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{22}\text{O}_{11}$$ to attract animals for seed dispersal.

Transport via Phloem – The “Road Network”

Once sugars are produced, they move from “source” leaves to “sink” tissues (roots, fruits, seeds) through the phloem. Imagine a highway system where cars (sugars) travel to where they’re needed.

1. Photosynthesis in leaves produces glucose.
2. Glucose is converted to sucrose for transport.
3. Sucrose travels through phloem to sinks.
4. At the sink, sucrose is hydrolysed back to glucose and used or stored.

Exam Tip: When a question asks about “storage” or “transport” of carbohydrates, recall the main forms (glucose, sucrose, starch) and their locations (leaves, phloem, stems, roots, seeds). Use the table as a quick reference to match the carbohydrate with its function and location.