* Energy: Just like animals, plants need energy to fuel their life processes. This energy comes from breaking down sugar molecules through cellular respiration.
* Growth & Development: Plants use sugar to build new cells, tissues, and organs. This includes growing roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
* Storage: Plants store excess sugar as starch in roots, stems, or seeds. This stored energy can be used later for growth or to survive periods of stress like winter or drought.
* Building Other Molecules: Sugar is a building block for other essential molecules, such as proteins, lipids (fats), and DNA.
* Attracting Pollinators: Plants use sugar to produce nectar, which attracts insects and birds to help with pollination.
In short, plants use sugar for pretty much everything they do! It's their primary source of energy and building material.
