Chapter 20: Problem 39

Explain how all of the following statements can be true: "Many plants use starch to pro- vide energy"; "Energy is supplied by glucose in both plants and animals'; and "ATP is the energy source in all living cells."

Short Answer

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Starch, in the form of polysaccharides, is the way plants store glucose for when they need energy. When required, starch is broken down into glucose. In all living cells, including plants and animals, glucose is split to produce ATP during a process called glycolysis. ATP is the primary energy source for all cells, as it transports and stores chemical energy for immediate use in cellular activities. Therefore, while energy is derived from glucose in both animals and plants and stored as starch in many plants, the immediate, usable form of energy in all living cells is ATP.

Step by step solution

Understanding the role of starch in plants

Starch in plants is a storage polysaccharide, consisting of numerous glucose units. Plants store glucose in the form of starch and then break it down into glucose when energy is needed.

Understanding the role of glucose in animals and plants

Glucose is a simple sugar that provides energy to all living cells. In both plants and animals, glucose is split during a process called glycolysis to produce ATP. This indicates that the energy stored in glucose can be utilized by both plants and animals.

Understanding the role of ATP in cells

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate) is the main energy currency of cells. It stores and transports chemical energy within cells. Glucose is broken down in cellular respiration to produce ATP, thus, ATP is the immediate source of energy for cell activities.

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Explain how all of the following statements can be true: "Many plants use starch to pro- vide energy"; "Energy is supplied by glucose in both plants and animals'; and "ATP is the energy source in all living cells."

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understanding the role of starch in plants

Understanding the role of glucose in animals and plants

Understanding the role of ATP in cells

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