What do plant cells do to respire at night when photosynthesis stops?

During the night, when photosynthesis is not taking place due to the absence of sunlight, plant cells continue to respire to generate energy. Respiration is a process that breaks down glucose to produce energy, carbon dioxide, and water.

Plants store glucose in forms like starch during the day when photosynthesis occurs. This stored glucose can then be broken down for energy during respiration at night. The process of respiration uses this stored glucose to meet the plant's energy requirements, enabling essential life processes even in the absence of sunlight.

By utilizing stored glucose, plants can maintain their vital functions when they are not photosynthesizing. This highlights the importance of energy storage in plants and their ability to adapt to varying light conditions.