Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Chemistry

Chapter

Organic: Biomolecules

Question:

Amylose is a water-soluble part of starch. What is the percentage solubility of it?

Options:

20 to 30%

15 to 20%

30 to 60%

50 to 70%

Correct Answer:

15 to 20%

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option (2) → 15 to 20%

Starch is naturally composed of two distinct polysaccharide components: Amylose and Amylopectin. Amylose is the smaller, water-soluble fraction.

The correct percentage of starch that is made up of amylose is: 15 to 20%

Key Characteristics of Amylose

  • Composition: It makes up approximately 15–20% of natural starch.
  • Solubility: It is the water-soluble component of starch.
  • Structure: It is a long, unbranched chain of $\alpha$-D-glucose units.
  • Linkage: The glucose units are held together by C1–C4 glycosidic linkages.
  • Shape: It typically forms a helical structure, which is responsible for the blue color produced during the iodine test.

Comparison with Amylopectin

By contrast, Amylopectin makes up the remaining 80–85% of starch. It is water-insoluble and has a branched structure involving both C1–C4 and C1–C6 glycosidic linkages.