Starch is classified as a ___________, which is a large molecule formed when smaller molecules of the same kind chain together.

Starch is classified as a polysaccharide, which means it is a complex carbohydrate made up of long chains of monosaccharide units, specifically glucose molecules. These smaller glucose units link together through glycosidic bonds to form a larger, more intricate structure. This process of linking small molecules into larger ones is essential for creating the energy storage and structural components found in plants.

Polysaccharides, like starch, have significant roles in food science due to their ability to thicken, gel, and provide structure to various food products. Unlike proteins, which are made up of amino acids, or fats, which are composed of fatty acids and glycerol, polysaccharides are specifically characterized by their sugar unit composition and glycosidic linkage.

In contrast, proteins are made up of amino acids and serve different functions, such as enzymes and building blocks for tissues. Fats and triglycerides refer to lipids, which are not composed of carbohydrate units but rather fatty acid chains. Thus, understanding starch as a polysaccharide helps clarify its role in nutrition and food technology.