Glucose produced during photosynthesis can be used by plants in a number of ways. Describe four different ways in which a plant can use the glucose produced during photosynthesis.

1. Glucose is oxidised in cellular respiration to release ATP, providing energy for the plant’s metabolic processes.
2. Excess glucose is polymerised into starch, which is stored in chloroplasts, amyloplasts and the vacuole for later use.
3. Glucose is incorporated into cellulose, the main component of the plant cell wall, giving structure and rigidity.
4. Glucose reacts with nitrates taken up from the soil to synthesise amino acids, which are then assembled into proteins.