A review of starch, a unique biopolymer - Structure, metabolism and in planta modifications
Ardha Apriyanto1, Julia Compart1, Joerg Fettke1
1Biopolymer Analytics, Institute of Biochemistry and Biology, University of Potsdam, Karl-Liebknecht-Str. 24-25, Building 20, 14476 Potsdam-Golm, Germany.
Abstract:
Starch is a complex carbohydrate polymer produced by plants and especially by crops in huge amounts. It consists of amylose and amylopectin, which have α-1,4- and α-1,6-linked glucose units. Despite this simple chemistry, the entire starch metabolism is complex, containing various (iso)enzymes/proteins. However, whose interplay is still not yet fully understood. Starch is essential for humans and animals as a source of nutrition and energy. Nowadays, starch is also commonly used in non-food industrial sectors for a variety of purposes. However, native starches do not always satisfy the needs of a wide range of (industrial) applications. This review summarizes the structural properties of starch, analytical methods for starch characterization, and in planta starch modifications.
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