Starch

 

What is Starch?

Starch is a form of carbohydrate. It has molecules with many carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Starch is a white solid that does not mix with cold water. It is how most plants, like rice, potatoes and wheat, store their energy.

 

Why do we need starch?

Starch is useful for many things. Your body changes starch into glucose, which gives energy to every cell. Food companies add starch to make processed foods thicker, and to make sweeteners. Scientists are studying how these sweeteners affect health.

 

 

🍞 Knowledge Check: Starch & Nutrition

How much do you know about complex carbohydrates and nutrient testing?

1. Which group of nutrients does starch belong to?

• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Lipids (Fats)

2. What is the starting colour of iodine solution before it touches starch?

• Blue-black
• Orange-brown
• Bright pink

3. Starch is a large molecule made of many smaller units of:

• Glucose
• Amino acids
• Fatty acids

4. Why is starch useful as an energy storage molecule in plants?

• Because it is very sweet
• Because it is insoluble in water
• Because it is a gas

Check Your Answers

1. Carbohydrates (Specifically a polysaccharide or complex carb).
2. Orange-brown (It only turns blue-black if starch is present).
3. Glucose (Sugar molecules link together to form starch chains).
4. Insoluble in water (This prevents it from dissolving and moving out of cells where it's needed).

Summary:

 

• Starch is a kind of carbohydrate. It has molecules with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
• You can use iodine solution to check for starch.
• Starch is broken down into glucose by digestion.