Chapter 23, Problem 3TE

To determine

The reason for the production of starch by plants.

Answer to Problem 3TE

The production of starch in the plants helps in the storage of excessive amount of energy produced during the process of photosynthesis.

Explanation of Solution

The food prepared by the green leaves of a plant is in the form of a simple sugar called glucose. This glucose made in the leaves is then sent to the different parts of the plant.

The extra glucose is changed into another food termed as starch. This starch is stored in the leaves of the plant. Glucose and starch belong to the category of foods known as carbohydrates.

The food like carbohydrates prepared by the process of photosynthesis contain chemical energy stored in them. Thus, the green plants convert sunlight energy into chemical energy by making carbohydrates. The food prepared by the photosynthesis provides all the energy to the plant which it needs to grow.

Conclusion:

The starch produced by the plants helps in the storage of energy produced by them by the conversion of sunlight energy into chemical energy. This chemical energy which is stored in the form of starch is transferred to the human body when plant food is consumed by humans.