Uses of Glucose from Photosynthesis (AQA GCSE Combined Science: Trilogy: Biology): Revision Note

Uses of glucose in plants

• The glucose produced in photosynthesis may be:

  • used for respiration (both aerobic and anaerobic)

  • converted into insoluble starch for storage in the stems, leaves and roots

  • used to produce fat or oil for storage (especially in seeds)

  • used to produce cellulose, which strengthens the cell wall

  • combined with nitrate ions absorbed from the soil to produce amino acids for protein synthesis

Diagram of the uses of glucose in a plant

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Testing for starch

• Glucose produced during photosynthesis is converted to starch, so the presence of starch indicates that photosynthesis has occurred

• The leaf can be tested for the presence of starch using iodine solution

• Iodine solution is an example of a qualitative reagent

 Diagram of method for testing for starch in a leaf

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