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What are structural variations of starch molecules from different sources?

Starch is a macromolecule consisting of glucose monomers. It functions as a storage polysaccharide in plants. Plant cells contain plastids to store starch until it is needed. An example is a potato tuber which contains stored starch granules within the plastids of these cells.


One type of molecule that makes up starch is called amylose which is an unbranched starch molecule. These molecules have a straight chain formation of glucose sub-- units linked by glycosidic bonds. It is the simplest type of starch molecule. It can be found in corn starch.


Another type of starch molecule is called amylopectin which has some branches. It can be found in corn, potatoes and rice. It also contains glucose sub--units. Whenever you consume a starchy food of plant origin, it will contain both amylose and amylopectin molecules.


Glycogen, also known as animal starch can be found within granules embedded in muscle tissue and is an energy reserve for muscles to use when additional energy is required. It is a branched molecule.


I have attached a link with diagrams and descriptions of starch and glycogen.

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