# Explain why starch is well suited to its role as a storage carbohydrate in plant cells.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Starch is insoluble (in water)
2. Being insoluble means it does not affect the water potential / osmosis of the cell
3. Starch is a large / complex molecule (polymer) made of many glucose units joined together
4. This means a large amount of glucose can be stored in a compact / small space
5. Starch can be broken down / hydrolysed to release glucose when (energy is) needed

## Key terms

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

## 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-why-starch-is-well-suited-0f98914c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.