What do plants do with the high-energy sugar molecules they produce during the $Calvin$ cycle?

• A. Store them as starch for later use
• B. Use them to absorb sunlight
• C. Convert them directly into proteins
• D. Release them as oxygen

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the Calvin cycle: The Calvin cycle is a series of biochemical reactions that occur in the stroma of chloroplasts in photosynthetic organisms. It is part of the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose using energy from sunlight.
2. Identify the product of the Calvin cycle: The primary product of the Calvin cycle is glucose, a high-energy sugar molecule. This glucose can be used immediately for energy or stored for later use.
3. Consider the storage of glucose: Plants often store excess glucose as starch. Starch is a polysaccharide that serves as an energy reserve, allowing plants to access energy when photosynthesis is not occurring, such as at night or during periods of low light.
4. Evaluate the options: The options given are: (1) Store them as starch for later use, (2) Use them to absorb sunlight, (3) Convert them directly into proteins, (4) Release them as oxygen. Consider which of these options aligns with the known functions of glucose in plants.
5. Conclude based on plant physiology: Glucose is not used to absorb sunlight, nor is it directly converted into proteins or released as oxygen. Instead, it is stored as starch for later use, which is consistent with the plant's need to manage energy resources efficiently.