Glucose

noun · Biology

Definition

A simple sugar that cells use as a source of energy.

Plants make glucose in photosynthesis and animals obtain it from food. It is broken down in respiration.

Plants can convert glucose to starch for storage.

Glucose is a sugar; starch is a store made of many glucose units.

PhotosynthesisThe process by which plants and some other organisms use light energy to make glucose from carbon dioxide and water.

Entry status: written by the editorial team and awaiting independent review. Spot an error? Use our corrections page.