Which process stores energy by building sugars?

• A. Photosynthesis
• B. Transpiration
• C. Guttation
• D. Respiration

Answer: (A)

Storing energy by building sugars is photosynthesis. In plants, light energy captured by chlorophyll drives a set of reactions that convert carbon dioxide and water into glucose, locking energy into the chemical bonds of sugar. This saved energy can later be accessed when the plant breaks down the sugar to fuel growth and metabolism. Photosynthesis occurs mainly in chloroplasts within leaf cells and happens in two stages: the light-dependent reactions, which capture light to make ATP and NADPH, and the Calvin cycle, which uses those molecules to assemble carbon dioxide into sugar.

Other processes involve water movement or energy release rather than storage: transpiration moves water through the plant and can cool leaves; guttation releases liquid water from leaf margins; respiration breaks down sugar to release energy for cellular work.