Final answer:
The molecule created during photosynthesis that is stored as energy by plants is 2) glucose. It is a stable form of energy that can be stored in the form of larger carbohydrates, unlike ATP which is used for immediate energy but not for long-term storage.
Step-by-step explanation:
The molecule that is created during photosynthesis and stored by the plant as energy for later use is glucose. During photosynthesis, plants convert light energy, carbon dioxide, and water into glucose and oxygen. Glucose serves as a form of stored energy and can be combined into larger carbohydrates such as starch for long-term storage. Oxygen, on the other hand, is a byproduct of photosynthesis and is released into the atmosphere. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is also produced during the light reactions of photosynthesis and provides immediate energy for cellular processes. However, ATP is quite unstable and is not used for long-term storage. Instead, the chemical energy from ATP is used during the Calvin cycle to build up glucose molecules.