Plants store sugar in various locations, depending on the type of plant and the form of sugar.
Generally, sugar, produced through photosynthesis, is stored in the form of:
- Starch: Many plants convert sugar into starch for storage. This occurs in storage organs such as roots (e.g., carrots, cassava), tubers (e.g., potatoes), and seeds (e.g., grains, legumes).
- Simple Sugars (Fructose and Glucose): Some plants store sugar as fructose and glucose directly, notably in their fruits (e.g., apples, oranges, berries).
- Sucrose: Certain plants are cultivated for their high sucrose content, which is then extracted to produce table sugar. Examples include sugarcane and sugar beets. These plants accumulate sucrose in their stems or roots, respectively.
Therefore, sugar storage locations include:
- Fruits: For immediate energy use and to attract seed dispersers (animals).
- Roots and Tubers: For long-term energy reserves, particularly during dormancy or periods of active growth.
- Stems: As in sugarcane, for efficient sucrose accumulation.
- Seeds: To nourish the developing embryo during germination.
