chemis

Bio try
nt

Journal of Plant Biochemistry &

ur nal of Pla

&P
hysio log
Physiology
Jo

y
ISSN: 2329-9029
Perspective

Multifaceted Role of Carbohydrates in Plants

Sadim Khornti*
Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo,
Ethiopia

DESCRIPTION Structural support and rigidity

Carbohydrates are essential molecules in the multifaceted world Cellulose: Carbohydrates, particularly cellulose, provide
of plant biology, serving a diverse array of roles. Primarily, they structural support and rigidity to plant cell walls. Cellulose is a
act as a primary energy source, generated through complex polysaccharide composed of glucose molecules linked
photosynthesis, where plants convert sunlight, water, and carbon together in a linear fashion. It forms micro fibrils that are
dioxide into glucose. This stored energy fuels growth, arranged in layers, creating a sturdy framework that gives plant
reproduction, and metabolic processes. Additionally, cells their shape and prevents them from bursting due to the
carbohydrates function as structural components, forming the internal turgor pressure.
cellulose that comprises plant cell walls, providing rigidity and Hemicellulose: In addition to cellulose, hemicellulose is another
support. Moreover, carbohydrates participate in cell carbohydrate component of plant cell walls. It is more flexible
communication, as glycoproteins and glycolipids play key roles in than cellulose and plays a role in binding cellulose micro fibrils
signal transduction. Furthermore, carbohydrates serve as storage together. Hemicellulose also contributes to the overall strength
compounds, accumulating as starches in roots and seeds for later and resilience of plant cell walls.
use. Their multifaceted roles underline their fundamental
importance in plant life. Storage reservoirs
Role of carbohydrates Starch: Carbohydrates in the form of starch serve as energy
storage reservoirs in plants. Starch is a polysaccharide composed
Primary energy source: Carbohydrates serve as the primary of glucose molecules and is stored in specialized plant structures,
energy source for plants. Through the process of photosynthesis, such as roots, tubers, and seeds. During times of plenty, when
plants capture sunlight and convert it into chemical energy photosynthesis exceeds immediate energy needs, excess glucose is
stored in the form of carbohydrates, primarily glucose. The basic converted into starch and stored for later use.
equation for photosynthesis is:
Sucrose: In addition to starch, plants store carbohydrates in the
6 CO2+12 H2O+light energy → C6H12O6+6 O2 form of sucrose, a disaccharide composed of glucose and
In this process, carbon dioxide and water are transformed into fructose. Sucrose is commonly transported within the plant from
glucose and oxygen, with the help of chlorophyll and other sites of photosynthesis (e.g., leaves) to sites of storage or growth
pigments in plant cells. (e.g., roots, fruits, or seeds). This transport sugar serves as an
energy source and carbon skeleton for various metabolic
Similar to animals, respiration is a critical biological process in processes.
plants. During respiration, carbohydrates are broken down to
release energy. In this process, glucose is converted into simpler Communication and signaling
compounds, such as pyruvate, and further metabolized in the
Glycoproteins: Glycoproteins are molecules that consist of
mitochondria to produce Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), the
proteins linked to carbohydrate chains. These complex
universal energy currency of cells. The equation for respiration is
compounds are involved in cell-cell recognition, adhesion, and
the reverse of photosynthesis:
signaling. In plant cell walls, glycoproteins contribute to the
C6H12O6+6 O2 → 6 CO2+6 H2O+energy (ATP) regulation of cell growth and response to environmental stimuli.
This energy is used to power various cellular activities, including Hormones: Carbohydrates are integral components of some
growth, maintenance, and reproduction. plant hormones. For example, Abscisic Acid (ABA), an important

Correspondence to: Sadim Khornti, Department of Rural Development and Agricultural Extension, College of Agriculture, Wolaita Sodo
University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia, E-mail: sadim.kh01@gmail.com
Received: 25-Jul-2023, Manuscript No. JPBP-23-27193; Editor assigned: 27-Jul-2023, PreQC No. JPBP-23-27193 (PQ); Reviewed: 10-Aug-2023, QC
No. JPBP-23-27193; Revised: 17-Aug-2023, Manuscript No. JPBP-23-27193(R); Published: 24-Aug-2023, DOI: 10.35248/2329-9029.23.11.278.
Citation: Khornti S (2023) Multifaceted Role of Carbohydrates in Plants. J Plant Biochem Physiol. 11:278.
Copyright: © 2023 Khornti S. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License,which
permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.

J Plant Biochem Physiol, Vol.11 Iss.3 No:1000278 1

Khornti S
hormone involved in responses to stress and growth regulation
contains a carbohydrate moiety. These carbohydrate-based
hormones help coordinate various physiological processes within
plants.
Physiological processes
Carbohydrates are essential for plant growth and development.
The energy derived from the breakdown of carbohydrates fuels
the synthesis of new molecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids,
and lipids, all of which are required for growth and
reproduction. During seed germination, carbohydrates stored in
seeds, primarily in the form of starch, provide the energy
necessary for the embryo to grow and emerge from the seed. As
the young seedling begins photosynthesis, it becomes self-
sustaining and can utilize newly synthesized carbohydrates.
Sugars, transported from leaves and other sources, are used to
support flower development, pollination, and seed maturation.
During drought stress, plants can accumulate soluble
carbohydrates like sugars and sugar alcohols (e.g., sucrose and
mannitol) to adjust their osmotic potential. This allows them to
maintain water uptake and turgor pressure even when water
J Plant Biochem Physiol, Vol.11 Iss.3 No:1000278
availability is limited. They are also involved in the response to
oxidative stress caused by environmental factors such as high
light intensity or pollution. Plants produce antioxidant
compounds like ascorbate (vitamin C) and glutathione, which
contain carbohydrate moieties and help protect plant cells from
damage.
CONCLUSION
Carbohydrates in plants are not merely a source of energy; they
are the basis of life in the botanical world. These complex
compounds provide the energy needed for growth and
reproduction, maintain structural integrity, facilitate
communication, and help plants respond to environmental
challenges. Carbohydrates are essential for the development of
flowers and the subsequent formation of fruits and seeds. They
provide carbon skeletons for the biosynthesis of secondary
metabolites, such as alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic
compounds. These secondary metabolites have various roles in
plant defense, attraction of pollinators, and adaptation to
environmental stressors.
2