Starch

This is a reserve polysaccharide of plants (C₆H₁₀O₆)_n. Almost all plant cells can synthesize starch, but in varying amounts and intensities. It is mostly found in potato tubers and grains. Starch consists of two glucose homopolysaccharides: α-amylose and amylopectin. α-Amylose is a linear glucose polymer where glucose molecules are linked to each other by (1,4) glycosidic bonds. Amylose makes up 15–20% of the starch molecule. Amylopectin has a branched chain. In unbranched areas, glucose molecules are linked by (1,4) glycosidic bonds, while in branching points – by α-(1,6) glycosidic bonds. Amylopectin accounts for 80–85% of the starch molecule.

Starch

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė