The starch present in potatoes is a polysaccharide.
The first step that must be taken to understand the meaning of the term polysaccharides is to know its etymological origin. This leads us to be clear that it is a word that derives from Greek, it is the result of the sum of three clearly delimited components:
-The prefix «poly-«, which is synonymous with «many».
-The noun "sakkhar", which can be translated as "sugar".
-The suffix «-ido», which is used to shape derivatives.
What are polysaccharides
A polysaccharide is a polymer that is composed of an extensive succession of monosaccharides , linked together through glycosidic bonds . Polysaccharides can be included in the group of carbohydrates , which are also known as carbohydrates or carbohydrates .
These polysaccharides fulfill different functions in the body : they contribute to the development of organic structures, allow energy to be stored and act as a protection mechanism against certain phenomena, for example.
cellulose and chitin
Cellulose is the most common polysaccharide and the natural biomolecule with the greatest presence on the planet. It is part of the walls of plant cells , has relevance in the human diet (contributes to digestion) and is used in the production of paper, varnish, explosives and other products.
Another very important polysaccharide is chitin , which is present in the exoskeleton of various insects, in the cell walls of fungi and in the organs of certain animals. Chitin is used in the food and pharmaceutical industries, among others.
Cellulose is a very common polysaccharide used to make paper.
Glycogen and starch, other important polysaccharides
Glycogen (widely present in the liver) and starch (which provides more than seventy percent of the calories that people ingest throughout the planet) are other notable polysaccharides.
Within the polysaccharides of energy reserves in vegetables, we must highlight the aforementioned starch, of which we can highlight the following hallmarks:
-It is a perfect mix between amylopectin and amylose.
-Amylose is a linear polysaccharide that is made up of glucose units.
-Amylopectin, for its part, is a branched class polysaccharide.
-It is considered to be the most important source of calories that humans consume.
Likewise, we must not overlook that starch is an element that brings with it a significant number of benefits for the human body, among which the following stand out:
-Constantly improves insulin sensitivity.
-It is responsible for reducing blood glucose levels.
-Helps improve intestinal health.
-It also becomes a perfect ally for losing weight, since it helps burn fat.
-It is also responsible for producing good fats.
Hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds
It is worth mentioning that, if the hydrolysis of the aforementioned glycosidic bonds that join the monosaccharides is developed, it is possible to achieve the decomposition of the polysaccharides.
In this way, polymers of the same class but simpler can be obtained; disaccharides; or even various monosaccharides.