Uses of the carbohydrates madeSpec 6.1.5
In short
Plants use the glucose made in photosynthesis in five main ways. They use it in respiration to release energy, store it as insoluble starch, build cellulose cell walls from it, convert it to sucrose for transport in the phloem, and make nectar to attract insects for pollination. Plants transport sucrose, not glucose or starch.
The carbohydrate made in photosynthesis is glucose. Plants use it in five main ways.
| Use | Substance | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Energy store | Starch | Glucose is turned into insoluble starch, which is stored in the leaf, stem and root |
| Cell walls | Cellulose | Built from glucose to make the plant cell wall, which gives strength and support |
| Respiration | Glucose | Used in respiration to provide energy for living processes |
| Transport | Sucrose | Glucose is converted to sucrose, which is transported in the phloem to other parts of the plant |
| Pollination | Nectar | A sugary liquid made in flowers to attract insects for pollination |
Some glucose is used straight away in respiration. The rest is converted to other substances. If more glucose is made than the plant needs, it is stored as starch.
Say starch is an energy store, cellulose builds cell walls, and sucrose is transported in the phloem. Each substance has its own job; do not swap them.
Plants do not transport glucose or starch in the phloem. The sugar that is moved around the plant is sucrose.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) specification · Updated October 2026