Plants store extra food in the form of starch.




Plants are autotrophic organisms that produce their own food through a process called photosynthesis. During photosynthesis, plants use sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water to produce glucose and oxygen. Glucose is then converted into starch and stored in various parts of the plant.


Starch is a complex carbohydrate made up of multiple glucose molecules joined together. It is the main storage form of energy in plants. Starch is stored in different plant parts such as roots, stems, leaves, and seeds.


Roots: Some plants store excess food in their roots. Examples include carrots, sweet potatoes, and radishes.

Stems: Certain plants store food in their stems. For instance, potatoes store starch in their underground tubers, while sugarcane stores it in its thick stems.

Leaves: Plants like onions and garlic store food in their leaves. The leaves of these plants contain a higher concentration of starch.

Seeds: Seeds are another common storage organ in plants. They contain an embryo and a store of food to support the growth of the new plant until it can produce its own food through photosynthesis. Examples include grains like rice, wheat, and corn.


Storing excess food in the form of starch provides several benefits to plants:

1. Energy Reserve: Starch serves as an energy reserve that can be used during periods when photosynthesis is not possible, such as winter or drought.

2. Seed Germination: Starch stored in seeds provides nourishment to the developing embryo during germination until it can establish its own photosynthetic capabilities.

3. Plant Growth: Stored starch can be mobilized and transported to growing regions of the plant, supporting growth and development.

4. Survival: Starch reserves enable plants to survive adverse conditions and recover when favorable conditions return.

In conclusion, plants store extra food in the form of starch, a complex carbohydrate. This storage allows plants to have a readily available energy source for various metabolic processes and ensures their survival and growth.