Here's why:
* Photosynthesis: Plants use sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to create glucose through photosynthesis. This glucose is their primary source of energy.
* Storage:
* Short-term storage: Plants can store glucose directly as a simple sugar, often in the form of fructose or sucrose. This is particularly common in fruits.
* Long-term storage: For longer-term storage, plants convert glucose into starch, a complex carbohydrate. Starch is stored in various parts of the plant, such as roots (e.g., potatoes), seeds (e.g., grains), and stems (e.g., tubers).
So, while the plant initially creates glucose, it can be stored in various forms depending on the plant's needs and the duration of the storage.