# Explain how sucrose is formed from simple sugars and describe how sucrose is suited to its role as the main transport carbohydrate in plants.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.2 Carbohydrates · Explain · 5 marks

> Plants produce glucose by photosynthesis. Much of this glucose is converted into sucrose before being transported around the plant in the phloem.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Sucrose is formed by joining glucose and fructose together
2. A chemical bond forms between the two simple sugars / a condensation reaction occurs / water is released when they join
3. Sucrose is soluble / dissolves in water
4. Sucrose does not react / is chemically stable / is not used in respiration directly, so it can be transported without being broken down en route
5. Sucrose can be broken down / hydrolysed into glucose and fructose at the destination / sink cells where it is needed

## Key terms

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

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-how-sucrose-is-formed-from-7cd85e35) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.