Uses of Glucose from Photosynthesis (AQA GCSE Biology)

Uses of glucose in plants

• The glucose produced in photosynthesis may be:

  • Used for respiration (both aerobic and anaerobic)

  • Converted into insoluble starch for storage in the stems, leaves and roots

  • Used to produce fat or oil for storage (especially in seeds)

  • Used to produce cellulose, which strengthens the cell wall

  • Combined with nitrate ions absorbed from the soil to produce amino acids for protein synthesis

The main uses of glucose in a plant

Testing for starch

• A test to show that a plant is photosynthesising is to test the leaf for the presence of starch using iodine solution

  • Iodine solution is an example of a qualitative reagent

• Glucose produced during photosynthesis is converted to starch so this test can be used to show the effect of light on photosynthesis

 Testing for starch in a leaf

Starch testing of leaves shows that photosynthesis has been taking place