What does the plant use glucose for?

Plants use glucose for various vital processes, and one of the primary uses is for growth and repair. Glucose is a simple sugar produced during the process of photosynthesis, where plants convert light energy into chemical energy. This glucose serves as a fundamental building block for the synthesis of larger organic molecules such as starch, cellulose, and other carbohydrates.

When plants grow, they require energy and materials to form new cells, especially in areas like roots, stems, and leaves. Glucose is utilized in cellular respiration, where it is broken down to release energy needed for these growth processes. Moreover, during times of tissue damage, glucose facilitates the repair of cells and the regrowth of tissues.

While glucose is also stored as starch for energy and can play a role in respiration and reproduction indirectly, its most direct and crucial function is providing the necessary energy and materials for plant growth and the repair of damaged tissues. This underscores why growth and repair is considered the correct answer.