Experiment 3: Starch Introduction Starch is the predominant storage molecule in plants and provides the majority of the food calories consumed by people worldwide. Most starch granules are composed of a mixture of two polymers: a linear polysaccharide called amylose and a branched-chain polysaccharide called amylopectin. Amylopectin chains branch approximately every 20-25 saccharide units. Amylopectin is the more common form of starch found in plants. Starch, with their ability to bind large amounts of water, are useful polysaccharide used as binders, adhesives, moisture retainers, texturizers, and thickeners in foods. Commercial starches are obtained from cereal grains, root sources, or from trees. Each starch has its own characteristics Starch granules mix with water, but will only very slowly dissolye at room temperntlinp