Question
Download Solution PDFWhich of the following is another name for starch found mainly in the pulp of seeds, fruits, tubers, roots and stems of plants, especially in corn, potatoes, wheat and rice?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is Amylum.Key Points
- "Amylum" is the Latin word for starch. Starch is a white, granular, organic chemical that is produced by all green plants. It serves as the plant's energy reserve, which is stored in chloroplasts in the form of glucose polymers.
- In human diet, starch is a primary source of energy. Many of the staple foods humans consume are high in starch, including potatoes, wheat, maize (corn), rice, and cassava. Commercially, starch is used in the manufacture of adhesives, paper, textiles, and as a food additive.
- Enzymes that break down starch into its constituent glucose units are known as amylases, a term derived from "amylum".
- Appearance: Starch is a white powder without taste or smell.
- Two Types: Straight Amylose and Branched Amylopectin.
- Amylose: This is a linear, long chain of glucose units. Because of its straight, unbranched structure, amylose can form a helix shape which is ideal for storing energy.
- Amylopectin: Unlike amylose, amylopectin has a branched chain structure.
- Its branches allow for more points of access for enzymes, facilitating quick energy release when required.
- Glycogen in animals is a more branched form of amylopectin.
- Conversion to Sugars: Starch can be turned into sugars for making drinks and fuels.
- Used in Foods: Processed starch is used in many foods. Some foods that are particularly high in starch include grains (such as wheat, rice, and corn), root vegetables (like potatoes and carrots), and legumes (such as beans and lentils).
- Thickening and Adhesive: Starch mixed with warm water becomes a paste used to thicken or stick things.
- Industrial Uses: Industries use starch to make paper and stiffen clothes before ironing. It is used in food processing as a thickener, stabilizer and sugar replacer. In non-food industries, it is used in the manufacture of bio-plastics, adhesives, paper, textiles, and even in oil drilling to reduce fluid loss.
Additional Information
| Substance | Description |
|---|---|
| Xanthan | - Xanthan is a polysaccharide produced through the fermentation of sugars by the bacterium Xanthomonas. - It forms a thick, gel-like substance when mixed with water. - Due to its viscosity and stabilizing properties, it's used in a variety of industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics. - In the food industry, xanthan is often used as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier in products like sauces, dressings, and gluten-free baked goods. |
| Olestra | - Olestra, also known as Olean, is a synthetic fat substitute. - It's made by combining sugar molecules with fatty acids to create a molecule that the body can't digest. - Since it isn't absorbed by the body, it provides zero calories and fat content. - Olestra was used in certain low-fat and fat-free snack products like potato chips and crackers, but its consumption has been associated with gastrointestinal side effects in some individuals. As a result, its use has become less common in recent years. |
| Saponin | - Saponins are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in various plants, particularly in seeds and roots. - They have soap-like properties and can create foamy solutions when mixed with water, which gives them their name from the Latin word "sapo" meaning soap. - Saponins have a wide range of applications. They're used traditionally for their cleansing properties and are found in some natural detergents and cleaning products. - Additionally, saponins have potential health benefits and are studied for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-modulating effects. - They're also used in some pharmaceutical formulations. |
Last updated on Jun 13, 2025
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