4.1.6

Uses of Glucose

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Uses of Glucose

The glucose produced by photosynthesis is mainly used for respiration in plants. However, it can also be converted into other products:

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Starch

  • Starch is insoluble (cannot be dissolved) and is stored in stems, leaves or roots.
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Cellulose

  • Cellulose is used to strengthen cell walls. It is particularly important for fast-growing plants.
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Fats and oils

  • Fats and oils are stored in structures such as seeds.
    • For example, sunflower seeds are a key ingredient in cooking oils.
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Proteins

  • Proteins are needed for cell growth and repair.
  • A source of nitrogen is also needed for glucose to be converted into proteins.
  • Plants get this nitrogen by absorbing nitrate ions (minerals) from soil.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

1.1What's in Cells?

1.2Cell Division

1.3Transport in Cells

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

5.1Homeostasis

5.2The Human Nervous System

5.3Hormonal Coordination in Humans

5.4Plant Hormones

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

6.1Reproduction

6.2Variation & Evolution

6.3Genetics & Evolution

6.4Classification

7Ecology

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