What polysaccharides can glucose be converted into after its synthesis?

Prepare for the ATP Photosynthesis Test. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations. Get ready to ace your exam!

Glucose can indeed be converted into starch and cellulose after its synthesis, making this the correct choice. Starch serves as an energy storage form in plants, primarily found in roots and seeds, where it can be easily broken down into glucose when the plant requires energy. Cellulose, on the other hand, is a structural component of plant cell walls, providing rigidity and support.

The conversion process begins with glucose molecules linking together through glycosidic bonds, forming long chains that constitute these polysaccharides. The specific type of polysaccharide created depends on the arrangement and type of these bonds, as well as the enzymatic pathways involved in the biosynthesis process.

While glycogen and starch are also significant storage polysaccharides, glycogen is specifically found in animals, whereas starch is found in plants, leading to some confusion. This highlights the unique role of glucose in different organisms. Fructose and sucrose are not polysaccharides but rather simple sugars, and maltose is a disaccharide, which further clarifies that they do not fit the criteria of long-chain carbohydrate polymers like starch and cellulose. Hence, the ability of glucose to form both starch and cellulose is fundamental to plant metabolism and structural integrity.

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