Explain how a plant uses the products of photosynthesis to support its growth and other life processes.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Plants carry out photosynthesis to produce glucose. This glucose can then be used in a number of ways inside the plant.
Model answer (4 marks)
1. Glucose is broken down in cellular respiration to release energy for growth and maintenance.
2. Some glucose is polymerised into cellulose, forming cell walls and giving structural support.
3. Excess glucose is stored as starch in chloroplasts and vacuoles for later use.
4. Glucose combined with nitrates and minerals is used to synthesise amino acids, which build proteins for new tissues and enzymes.
2. Some glucose is polymerised into cellulose, forming cell walls and giving structural support.
3. Excess glucose is stored as starch in chloroplasts and vacuoles for later use.
4. Glucose combined with nitrates and minerals is used to synthesise amino acids, which build proteins for new tissues and enzymes.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact terms: cellular respiration, cellulose, starch, amino acids. Show the link between glucose and each product. Keep each point brief and separate with numbers or bullets.
Common mistakes
- Confusing photosynthesis with respiration. Lacking the word ‘cellulose’ or ‘starch’. Forgetting that proteins are made from amino acids, not directly from glucose.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Glucose is used in (cellular) respiration to release energy
- Glucose is converted into cellulose (for cell walls) / used to make structural components for growth
- Glucose is converted into starch for storage
- Glucose (combined with nitrates/minerals) is used to make proteins / amino acids
Key terms in this question
Related
- Revision notes: Photosynthesis →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →