What is the helical structure of starch found in plants called?

The helical structure of starch found in plants is referred to as amylose. Amylose is a linear polymer made up of glucose units linked by α-1,4-glycosidic bonds. This structure allows amylose to form a helical conformation, which contributes to the storage properties of starch in plants. The helical arrangement is significant as it minimizes the space that the glucose molecules occupy, thus making it an efficient way for plants to store glucose.

In contrast, the other options represent different substances or structural forms. Amylopectin, while also a component of starch, is branched and does not have the same helical structure as amylose. Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol and not related to starch, while glycogen serves as a storage form of glucose in animals and has a distinct branched structure, which differs significantly from the helical form of amylose. Understanding the specific structures and functions of these carbohydrates is crucial in nutrition and diet therapy.