Starch - GCSE Biology Definition

Starch is a type of carbohydrate that plants use to store energy. It is made up of many glucose molecules linked together and is found in foods like potatoes, rice, and bread. In plants, starch is stored in parts such as roots, seeds, and leaves. When humans and animals eat starchy foods, their bodies break the starch down into glucose, which can be used for energy. In GCSE Biology, you may study how to test for starch using iodine solution, which turns blue-black if starch is present. Understanding starch is important because it plays a key role in plant energy storage and human nutrition.