Glucose is a type of carbohydrate and one of the most important energy sources in the human metabolism. It does not need to be digested and can even be given as a nutrient to patients in need of medical help. Its main purpose is to create energy in the human body and in plants. Glucose is stored in the liver of humans and animals and as fat after it is not used for a period of time. This is an evolutionary trait that allows energy to become available when food is scarce. The body is able to create energy out of this simple sugar through the chemical reaction: C6H12O6 + 6O2 --> 6CO2 + 6H2O+ energy
This energy can be used by any part of the body that needs it from blood cells, to muscles, tissues, and nerves. All to help the body function as it should in the most efficient way possible.
In plants the use of glucose is slightly different. The molecules may be bonded together to create either cellulose, the structural aspect of a plant, which enables it to be able to stand up. It may also be bonded together to make starch, which are the food storage area of a plant. Lastly, the glucose molecules can be broken down and transferred into energy for cellular respiration, where the molecules are restructured to energy-containing molecules.
This energy can be used by any part of the body that needs it from blood cells, to muscles, tissues, and nerves. All to help the body function as it should in the most efficient way possible.
In plants the use of glucose is slightly different. The molecules may be bonded together to create either cellulose, the structural aspect of a plant, which enables it to be able to stand up. It may also be bonded together to make starch, which are the food storage area of a plant. Lastly, the glucose molecules can be broken down and transferred into energy for cellular respiration, where the molecules are restructured to energy-containing molecules.