Question

What is a starch?

a) A carbohydrate
b) A protein
c) A fat
d) A mineral

Answer 1

Hint: Starch is a white, tasteless, solid carbohydrate found in foods like potatoes, rice, and in plant tissues. It is a source of energy.

Complete answer:

Starch is a white, tasteless, odorless, complex carbohydrate which is a major constituent of food products like rice, beans, bread, potatoes, wheat, etc. They are the most consumed carbohydrates and are an important source of nutrition and give us energy. The basic chemical formula of the starch molecule is (C${}_6$H${}_{10}$O${}_5$)${}_n$. Therefore, option a “A carbohydrate” is the correct answer.
Option b “A protein” a nitrogenous organic compounds that are essential constituents of living cells; consist of polymers of amino acids; essential in the diet of animals for growth and for the repair of tissues; can be obtained from meat and eggs and milk and legumes. Starch is not a protein. Thus, option b is incorrect.
Option c “A fat” is an animal or plant tissue containing greasy or oily material. Starch is not fat. Thus, option c is incorrect.
Option d “A mineral” is a solid inorganic substance of natural occurrence. Like iron (Fe). Starch is not a mineral. So, option d is incorrect too.

Note: Do not confuse starch to be a type of fat. If we eat too many carbohydrates, more than we burn, the excess starch is converted to fatty acids and glycerol, which are stored in our fat cells; but starch is not fat.