Difference Between Carbohydrate and Starch

Difference Between Carbohydrates and Starch: The major difference between carbohydrates and starch is that carbohydrates can exist as both polymeric and non-polymeric compounds whereas starch is a polymeric carbohydrate. Carbohydrates and Starch are organic biomolecules of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

The difference between carbohydrates and starch class 6 is an important topic in biology. This article will cover carbohydrates and glucose and their major differences.

What are Carbohydrates?

Hydrates of carbon are known as Carbohydrates where the general formula is C_x(H₂O)_y. But this definition does not hold good always. For Example- Rhamnose (C₆H₁₂O₅) is a carbohydrate but it does not fit in this definition. Similarly, Acetic acid(C₂H₄O₂) is not a carbohydrate.

Modern definition of Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates can be defined as optically active polyhydroxy or mono hydroxy aldehydes or ketones. Carbohydrates are also known as Saccharides. Some of the carbohydrates, which are sweet in taste are also called as sugars. The most common sugar used in our homes is named Sucrose, also known as ‘cane sugar’, whereas the sugar present in milk is known as Lactose.

Carbohydrates Food List: Bread, Cereals, Fruits, Yogurts

What is Starch?

Starch is basically a type of carbohydrate. It is a polysaccharide that is made up of α-D-Glucose as monosaccharide units. Starch has two components:

• Amylose- It is a linear polymer of α-D-Glucose in which glucose units are bonded using C1-C4 glycosidic linkage(α links). It is water-soluble. It constitutes 15-20% of starch.
• Amylopectin-It is a branched polymer of α-D-Glucose in which glucose units are bonded using C1-C4 glucosidic linkage(α links) and branches are formed using C1-C6 glucosidic linkage. It is water-insoluble due to branching. It constitutes 80-85% of starch.

Starch Food Source: Wheat, Rice, Maize, Potato

Difference Between Carbohydrates and Starch?

The major difference between carbohydrates and starch is given below in tabular form:

Features	Carbohydrates	Starch
Composition	Organic biomolecules made up of C, H, and O	Polysaccharides composed of α-D-Glucose monosaccharide units
Polymeric Nature	Can exist as polymeric and non-polymeric	Polymeric carbohydrate
Appearance	Can appear as liquids or solid powders	Appears as white, colourless powders
Sources	Obtained from food sources like Flour, Bread, Cereals, Potatoes etc	Obtained from staple food sources like Wheat, Potatoes, etc.
Sweetness	Some carbohydrates are sweet in taste	Starch is not sweet in taste
Reducing Ability	Can be reducing or non-reducing sugars	Starch is not a sugar

Conclusion – Difference Between Carbohydrate and Starch

In conclusion, carbohydrates and starch are both vital components of our diet and play essential roles in our bodies and in the natural world. While carbohydrates encompass a broader category of organic molecules providing energy, starch specifically serves as a storage form of energy in plants. Their distinct compositions, appearances, sources, and properties highlight their unique functions. Understanding the difference between carbohydrates and starch helps in making informed dietary choices and appreciating the diverse roles these compounds play in sustaining life.

FAQs on Difference Between Carbohydrate and Starch

Explain the Composition of Carbohydrates and Starch?

Carbohydrates are organic biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, while starch is a polysaccharide made up of repeating glucose monomers.

Why is Starch Called a Carbohydrate?

Starch is classified as a carbohydrate because it consists of long chains of glucose molecules, fulfilling the definition of carbohydrates as compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a specific ratio.

What are the Sources of Carbohydrates and Starch?

Carbohydrates can be obtained from food sources like flour, bread, cereals, and potatoes. Starch is obtained from staple food sources like wheat, potatoes, maize, rice etc.

Are Carbohydrates Sweet in Taste?

Some carbohydrates are sweet in taste referred to as sugars, lactose and sucrose are the examples All carbohydrates are not sweet. For example: Polysaccharides

What are the Different Types of Carbohydrates Based on Hydrolysis Products?

Carbohydrates can be classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides based on their hydrolysis products.

What are the Components of Starch?

Starch primarily consists of α-D-glucose monosaccharide units linked together to form polysaccharide chains.

What is the Difference Between Carbohydrate and Starch?

Carbohydrates includes a broader category of organic biomolecules comprising sugars, starches, and fibers, while starch specifically refers to a polysaccharide composed of α-D-glucose monosaccharide units.