# Describe how the products of photosynthesis are used by a plant, and explain why photosynthesis is essential for the plant's survival.

> Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0) — 3.1 Photosynthesis · Describe · 5 marks

> Plants are the primary producers in most ecosystems. They use photosynthesis to convert light energy into chemical energy stored in glucose. Without photosynthesis, plants could not grow, reproduce, or respond to their environment.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Glucose is used in respiration to release energy for the plant's life processes
2. Glucose is converted into starch for storage
3. Glucose is used to make cellulose for cell walls
4. Glucose combined with nitrate ions (from the soil) to make amino acids / proteins
5. Without photosynthesis the plant cannot make glucose / organic molecules, so it cannot grow, respire or produce biomass

## Key terms

- [photosynthesis](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/photosynthesis)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Edexcel A-Level Biology A: Salters-Nuffield (9BN0)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-how-the-products-of-photosynthesis-89678a83) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.