What is the primary function of starch in plants?

Starch primarily functions as an energy storage molecule in plants. It is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units, which are linked together. When plants synthesize glucose during photosynthesis, they produce excess carbohydrates that are not immediately needed for energy. These carbohydrates are converted into starch, allowing the plant to store the energy over time for later use.

During periods of low photosynthetic activity, such as during the night or in winter, the plant can break down the starch back into glucose molecules when energy is needed for growth, metabolism, or to fuel cellular processes. This ability to store energy in the form of starch is crucial for the plant's survival, especially in fluctuating environmental conditions.