OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

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What is one of the primary uses of glucose produced in photosynthesis?

  1. For immediate energy release

  2. To make larger, complex molecules for growth

  3. To create cellular respiration byproducts

  4. For waste elimination

The correct answer is: To make larger, complex molecules for growth

The primary use of glucose produced in photosynthesis is indeed to make larger, complex molecules for growth. Plants synthesize glucose during photosynthesis, which serves as a fundamental building block for various organic compounds. This glucose can be converted into starch, cellulose, and other carbohydrates, which are essential for the structure and function of cells. For instance, cellulose forms the cell walls of plants, providing structural support and protection. Additionally, glucose contributes to the synthesis of proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids through various metabolic pathways, which are vital for plant growth and development. In this context, while glucose can also be utilized for immediate energy release through cellular respiration and can indirectly create byproducts of respiration, its primary role in plant growth and development is to serve as a building block for more complex molecules. The process of waste elimination is not a significant function of glucose in the context of plant biology.