Answer :
Final answer:
Potatoes contain starch as an energy storage substance, with its amount and structure affecting their cooking properties. 'Starchy' potatoes are good for mashing and baking, while 'waxy' potatoes hold their shape better when cooked.
Explanation:
Potatoes have starch because they use it as an energy storage molecule. Starch is a complex carbohydrate made up of glucose units and plays a crucial role in the plant's life cycle.
The purpose of starch in potatoes is to store energy that can be used by the plant during periods of reduced photosynthetic activity or to provide food for the growth of new plants after the seed sprouts.
The starch content and composition in potatoes affect their cooking properties. For example, 'starchy' potatoes have more unbranched polymers of glucose, making them suitable for mashing or baking.
On the other hand, 'waxy' potatoes have higher amounts of branched polymers, allowing them to maintain their shape after cooking, which is ideal for potato salads or inclusion in soups and stews.