Final answer:
Glucose is the photosynthetic product that remains in green plants for use as either a building material or energy source. It is crucial for plant growth and maintenance and can also be converted into starch for energy storage or cellulose for structural support.
Step-by-step explanation:
The product of photosynthesis that remains in the green plant for use as a building material or source of energy is glucose (C6H12O6). Glucose is synthesized in the chloroplasts of plant cells from carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) using the energy from sunlight. This simple sugar is a versatile molecule that can be used directly by the plant for energy or it can be converted into larger carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose. Starch serves as an energy reserve, while cellulose is used as a structural material in the plant cell walls.
Furthermore, glucose is essential not only for energy but also for the synthesis of other vital biological molecules such as nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids. This process makes plants self-sufficient in their food production and vital for the energy needs of other organisms, including animals, who cannot make their own food and rely on plants for their energy requirements.
Ultimately, the glucose produced in photosynthesis provides the chemical energy and carbon skeletons needed for the growth and maintenance of plant life, making it an indispensable product of the photosynthetic process.