Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy storage form in plants, mainly in the form of starch. During photosynthesis, plants convert sunlight into chemical energy, which is stored as carbohydrates. When energy is needed, plants can break down starch back into glucose, which powers various metabolic processes. Additionally, carbohydrates provide structural support in plants through cellulose, which is essential for cell wall integrity. Overall, carbohydrates are vital for both energy storage and structural function in plant biology.