Starch

Starch, white, odorless carbohydrate powder, essential to both plants and animals as a source of energy (it is converted to glucose when needed). It is made naturally in green plants during photosynthesis; commercially, it is made chiefly from potatoes and corn. Cornstarch is used to make corn syrup and corn sugar, both of which are used to sweeten food products. Starch is also used to size paper and textiles and to stiffen shirts and other laundered items.