Question

How do organisms use the carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis?

Answer 1

Carbohydrates are the quickest source of energy in living beings. Hence the carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis will be used before any other stored source of energy. They undergo chemical reactions in a catabolic process.

Complete answer:
- Organisms use carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis by oxidizing them to produce energy for respiration.
- The glucose produced in green plants is directly utilized for respiration and other activities, while the excess is stored in the form of starch.
- Glucose formed during photosynthesis is broken down to form ATP, which is responsible for providing energy for all metabolic processes.
- Organisms other than the green plants utilize carbohydrates as a food source. Plants are primary producers and form the food source for most of the higher animals on the planet. They are the beginning of various food chains and webs.

Additional information:
- In eukaryotes, the oxidation of carbohydrates takes place in the mitochondria.
- Respiration in organisms is of two types - aerobic and anaerobic, where the carbohydrate (a monosaccharide like glucose) is completely oxidized and partially oxidized, respectively.
- Other than starch, glucose formed by photosynthesis is also converted into cellulose, which is a polymer necessary for providing the plant strength and structure.

Note:
- Plants are also known as autotrophs. Autotrophs are organisms that acquire their energy from sunlight and materials from nonliving sources.
- Another example of an autotroph is the diatom, a form of algae.
- Heterotrophs are also known as consumers.