Final answer:
The molecule that plants produce to store energy from the sun is glucose, which is central to the process of photosynthesis. Glucose stores energy in its chemical bonds and is used by living organisms, including humans, for energy through cellular respiration.
Step-by-step explanation:
Photosynthesis and Energy Storage in Glucose
Plants produce a molecule known as glucose, which is a simple carbohydrate with the chemical formula C6H12O6. This molecule stores energy from the sun in its chemical bonds and is fundamental for photosynthesis. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants use solar energy to transform carbon dioxide and water into glucose. This conversion not only stores energy but also releases oxygen into the atmosphere, which is essential for the respiration of most living organisms.
Glucose serves as a primary energy source for living cells through cellular respiration, where the energy stored in its bonds is released to form ATP (adenosine triphosphate). This molecule, ATP, acts as an energy currency within cells, fuelling various cellular processes. Furthermore, plants can convert glucose into more complex carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose, used for long-term energy storage and structural support, respectively.
Overall, the molecule of glucose is central to life on Earth, providing the energy that flows through ecosystems and the basic building blocks for a myriad of organic compounds.