Plant and animal cells have different ways of storing energy. This difference is mainly because of what they do and where they live.
Energy Storage in Plant Cells:
Starch: Plants save energy as starch. Starch is a type of carbohydrate made from many sugar units connected together. When plants do photosynthesis, they change sunlight into energy. This energy is stored as starch in their roots, stems, and leaves.
Chloroplasts: These are special parts in plant cells where photosynthesis happens. Chloroplasts help plants turn light energy into stored chemical energy.
Energy Storage in Animal Cells:
Glycogen: Animals save energy as glycogen. This is mostly found in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is also made from glucose, like starch, but it is arranged differently. This different structure allows animals to use energy quickly when they need it.
Fat: Besides glycogen, animals also keep energy in the form of fats. Fats are a dense way to store energy, giving more energy per gram than carbohydrates.
In short, plants use starch and chloroplasts to store energy, while animals use glycogen and fats. This helps each type of cell get the energy they need!
Plant and animal cells have different ways of storing energy. This difference is mainly because of what they do and where they live.
Energy Storage in Plant Cells:
Starch: Plants save energy as starch. Starch is a type of carbohydrate made from many sugar units connected together. When plants do photosynthesis, they change sunlight into energy. This energy is stored as starch in their roots, stems, and leaves.
Chloroplasts: These are special parts in plant cells where photosynthesis happens. Chloroplasts help plants turn light energy into stored chemical energy.
Energy Storage in Animal Cells:
Glycogen: Animals save energy as glycogen. This is mostly found in the liver and muscles. Glycogen is also made from glucose, like starch, but it is arranged differently. This different structure allows animals to use energy quickly when they need it.
Fat: Besides glycogen, animals also keep energy in the form of fats. Fats are a dense way to store energy, giving more energy per gram than carbohydrates.
In short, plants use starch and chloroplasts to store energy, while animals use glycogen and fats. This helps each type of cell get the energy they need!