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IGCSEBiology
Trial Class

Original practice · 5 questions · 15 marks · about 17 minutes

Uses of Glucose in Plants Practice Questions

Biology editorial review is supported by the named review panel. Reviewer participation may vary by guide. Checked against Cambridge IGCSE Biology 0610 (2026–2028); last reviewed August 2026.

These questions focus on the different ways plants use the glucose produced during photosynthesis.

Before you open the answers

  • Attempt every question without notes.
  • Show working for calculations and write complete biological statements.
  • Use the suggested time as a guide, not a strict limit on the first attempt.

These are original practice questions. They do not reproduce an official Cambridge paper or official mark scheme.

  1. Question 1

    Paper 4 Both 4 marks Difficulty 3/5

    State four ways a plant uses the glucose made during photosynthesis.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Respiration: glucose is broken down to release energy for cell activities.
    2. Converted to starch for storage (insoluble, does not affect osmosis).
    3. Converted to cellulose for cell walls (structural support).
    4. Converted to lipids/oils for energy storage in seeds.

  2. Question 2

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why plants store excess glucose as starch rather than as glucose.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Starch is insoluble: it does not dissolve in water.
    2. Being insoluble means it does not affect the water potential of the cell.
    3. If glucose accumulated, it would draw water into the cell by osmosis and could damage it.

    Watch for: Saying starch is "easier to store" without explaining the osmotic reason.

  3. Question 3

    Paper 4 Extended 3 marks Difficulty 4/5

    A plant is given nitrate ions in the soil. Explain how it uses glucose and nitrate ions together to make amino acids.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Glucose provides the carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
    2. Nitrate ions provide nitrogen.
    3. These are combined to make amino acids, which are then joined to make proteins.

  4. Question 4

    Paper 2 Core 2 marks Difficulty 1/5

    Name the substance plants make from glucose to strengthen their cell walls.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Cellulose.
    2. Cellulose provides rigidity / structural support to the cell wall.

  5. Question 5

    Paper 4 Both 3 marks Difficulty 3/5

    Explain why plants respire at all times but only photosynthesise during the day.

    Show model answer and marking guidance
    1. Respiration releases energy for cell processes: this is needed continuously (day and night).
    2. Photosynthesis requires light energy: this is only available during the day.
    3. At night, plants only respire, using stored starch or glucose.

Mark the set consistently

Award a point only when the idea is clearly present in the written answer. Correct any missed point in a complete sentence, then test the same skill on a different question several days later.

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