Final answer:
Plants use glucose produced during photosynthesis as an energy source, for storage, and for the synthesis of structural materials and other macromolecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
During photosynthesis, plants produce glucose along with oxygen. Glucose is a carbohydrate that can be used by plants for various purposes:
- Energy source: Plants can convert glucose into ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the molecule that powers the work of cells.
- Storage: Plants can store glucose as larger carbohydrates like starch. Starch provides energy for later use or nourishment for seeds.
- Structural material: Plants can also use glucose to produce cellulose, which is the main component of plant cell walls.
- Other macromolecules: Glucose can also be used to synthesize nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids in plants.
Overall, glucose produced during photosynthesis serves as the primary energy source for plants and is utilized for various metabolic processes.