Starch, corn

Corn starch refers to the starch extracted from the corn grain that is commonly used as a food ingredient and chemical additive. Starch is any of a group of polysaccharides of the general formula (C6-H10-O5)n, composed of a long-chain polymer of glucose in the form of amylose and amylopectin. Starch is the chief storage form of energy reserve (carbohydrates) in plants. Corn starch may be added in some food products as a thickening agent or anti-caking agent, and is sometimes found in topical drugs as a skin protectant.