Question

What is Starch? Write a short note.

Answer 1

Starch:

1. Starch is referred to as a natural polymer.
2. The long-chain polymers of glucose form starch.
3. But Starch is not a linear polymer.
4. As it is a carbohydrate, it is made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms.
5. At normal room temperature conditions, starch appears to be solid and white in color.
6. Starch is a much more complex molecule than sucrose or any other polymer of glucose.
7. It is insoluble in cold water but can form a colloidal solution after grinding and mixing.
8. Glycosidic linkage is found between the glucose molecules present in the starch.
9. Starch reacts with iodine and turns blue in presence of iodine and oxygen.
10. Starch is the major reserve food material found inside the plants.
11. As it is a form of reserve food material, upon requirement it is converted into glucose to release energy.