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
Examiner Tip
Remember that plants always respire to release energy – but they only photosynthesise during the day if conditions are right.
