A Level Biology Practice Exam

What does the term assimilates refer to in plants?

1. The products of cellular respiration

2. The byproducts of photosynthesis

3. The products of photosynthesis that are transported around a plant, such as sucrose

4. The nutrients absorbed by soil from water

The correct answer is: The products of photosynthesis that are transported around a plant, such as sucrose

The term "assimilates" in the context of plants refers specifically to the products of photosynthesis that are synthesized and subsequently transported throughout the plant. This includes substances such as sucrose, which is a crucial form of carbohydrate that plants use as energy and as a building block for growth and development. When plants undergo photosynthesis, they convert light energy into chemical energy, producing glucose and other carbohydrates. These organic compounds are then transformed into transportable forms like sucrose, which is essential for distributing energy resources to various parts of the plant, including roots, stems, and leaves. This transported sugar can also be stored or used for immediate energy needs in the plant. The other concepts do not align with the definition of assimilates: products of cellular respiration generally refer to how energy is utilized after assimilation has occurred; byproducts of photosynthesis are typically substances such as oxygen, which are not utilized in the same way; and nutrients absorbed by the soil relate to the mineral uptake rather than the products of photosynthesis that are assimilated and used for growth and energy within the plant.