Plants contain the carbohydrates starch and cellulose. In the spring when stem growth is at its fastest rate, cellulose production rates are increased in some plants. In the months with less sunlight, the level of starch decreases in some plants. What does this information demonstrate?
Answers
Both the starch and cellulose are carbohydrates and with identical molecular composition, however, their biological function is drastically distinct. Cellulose is utilized by the plants to develop the cell walls and is a structural carbohydrate, that is, why its rate of production enhances during the growth of plants, as the new cells require cellulose.
On the other hand, starch functions as an energy reserve, which gets accumulate during the sunny months and gets consumed at the time of winter months.
It is a well-known fact that almost every plant consists of cellulose and carbohydrates starch.
When it comes to carbohydrates, they are supportive. Along with this, it also aids with both the storage and transfer of energy.
Plants can effectively turn glucose produced in the photosynthesis process into starch for better storage.
This process turns it completely back into glucose.