Enzymes in the starch and sugar industries

Starch is a polysaccharide that occurs in the organs of plants. Indeed, it is the second most abundant compound synthesised by plants (cellulose being the first) and is found in a granular form. These granules are deposited as a reserve food supply to be used during dormancy, growth or germination. The size and shape of starch granules varies according to the source of the starch. Commercial sources of starch are usually the storage organs of plants such as the seeds of cereal grains (rice, corn, wheat and sorghum), roots (tapioca) and tubers (potato).