5 Questions
What are the main polysaccharides found in nature and mainly in the plant kingdom?
Starch, cellulose, and pectin.
What are the common uses of starch in the food industry?
Thickening or texture modifying agent, stabilizing agent, or as a source of sugars and dextrins.
What are the two fractions that starch is made up of?
Amylose and amylopectin.
What are the genetically predetermined ratios of amylose and amylopectin in regular corn starch?
About 28% amylose and 62% amylopectin.
What are some examples of seed gums?
Guar gum and locust bean gum.
Study Notes
Polysaccharides in Nature and the Plant Kingdom
- The main polysaccharides found in nature and the plant kingdom include cellulose, hemicellulose, pectin, and starch.
Starch in the Food Industry
- Starch is widely used in the food industry as a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier.
- Starch is also used as a gelling agent and can be converted into sugars for fermentation.
Composition of Starch
- Starch is composed of two fractions: amylose and amylopectin.
- Amylose is a linear polysaccharide, while amylopectin is a branched polysaccharide.
Ratios of Amylose and Amylopectin
- Regular corn starch typically has a genetically predetermined ratio of 20-30% amylose and 70-80% amylopectin.
Seed Gums
- Examples of seed gums include guar gum, locust bean gum, and tara gum.
- Seed gums are commonly used as thickening agents and stabilizers in food products.
Test your knowledge about polysaccharides, which are long chain polymers of simple sugars found extensively in nature, mainly in the plant kingdom. This quiz covers common polysaccharides like starch, cellulose, and pectin, as well as other polysaccharides such as seed gums, plant gums, and seaweed gums.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
