How Do Plants Store Energy From the Sun?

Some plants, such as sugar cane, are prized for their ability to create enourmous amounts of sugar.

The solar energy that plants store feed not only the plant but almost all animal life on Earth. From soil microorganisms too small to see without a microscope to elephants and whales, animals gain their energy from the plant conversion of sunlight into sugar.

Cloroplasts

Plants have specialized cells named cloroplasts. As the sun shines on these cell, they use the energy along with carbon dioxide and water to produce sugars through a process called photosynthesis. This is from a combination of Greek words meaning "light" and "to make or combine."

Using Sugar

The plant uses some of this sugar for its own growth. Many plants have a symbiotic relationship with microorganisms and they share the sugar though their root system in exchange for nitrogen and other nutrients.

Sugar As Food

Some parts of the plants, such as the fruit, stores large amounts of the sugar. Some of it is converted into starches. Corn, potatoes, rice and wheat are examples. The plant sugars and starches are an important part of a person's diet.

References

• Georgia State University: Energy Cycle in Living Things
• PBS Nova Online: Illuminating Photosynthesis