Tärklisi

Tärklisi is a naturally occurring carbohydrate and a major component of plants. It is a polysaccharide composed of a large number of glucose units linked together. Plants store energy in the form of starch, which is found in various parts such as seeds, roots, and tubers. In the human diet, tärklisi is a primary source of energy.

Tärklisi exists in two main forms: amylose and amylopectin. Amylose is a linear chain of glucose units, while amylopectin is a branched structure. The ratio of amylose to amylopectin varies in different plant sources, affecting the physical properties of the starch, such as its gelatinization temperature and solubility.

Common food sources rich in tärklisi include grains like wheat, rice, corn, and oats, as well as tubers like potatoes and cassava, and legumes such as peas and beans. When consumed, tärklisi is broken down into glucose through digestion, which is then absorbed into the bloodstream and used for energy by the body's cells.

Beyond its nutritional role, tärklisi has various industrial applications. It is used as a thickener in food products, a binder in pharmaceuticals, and in the production of paper, textiles, and adhesives. Modified starches, which have undergone chemical or physical processing, are often used to enhance specific functional properties for these applications.