What is Starch?

Starch is a complex, naturally occurring carbohydrate found in many plants. It’s one of the main sources of energy for the human body, providing energy for exercise and activities. Starch is composed of two different simple sugars called glucose and fructose, which are linked together in long chains.

The Structure and Types of Starch

The types of starch found in plants depend on the type of chemical structure it has. There are two major types of starch: amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is a straight-chained molecule composed of hundreds of glucose molecules, while amylopectin is a branched-chain molecule composed of thousands of glucose molecules. Each type of starch has unique properties that makes it ideal for different uses – for example, amylose is known for having a higher viscosity and amylopectin a lower one.

Uses of Starch

Starch is a major component of manufactured food products, including breads and flour-based products such as cookies. It’s also used in brewing beer and to thicken soups and sauces. Starch can also be used as a binder in non-food applications such as adhesives, paper and textiles.

Starch is also used in bioplastics, which are plastics made from renewable sources like corn. These bioplastics are used for everyday items such as food packaging and utensils, as well as for medical and hygiene products.

Conclusion

Starch is an important carbohydrate found in many plants that plays an essential role in providing energy for human activities. It’s composed of two different simple sugars linked together and is used in the manufacture of food, drinks and non-food products. Starch is a versatile and renewable resource that’s used in many everyday items – from food packaging to medical products.