Figure 2.

Dimensions in starch from granules to glycosyl units. (a) Maize starch granules observed under polarized light showing the “Maltese cross”, which indicates the radial organization within the starch granule. (b) A hypothetical granule with growth rings extending from the hilum. (c) Blocklets in semi-crystalline (black) and amorphous (grey) rings. (d) Crystalline and amorphous lamella formed by double helices (cylinders) and branched segments of AP (black lines). (e) Three double helices of AP, the double helices form either (A) or (B) polymorphic crystals. (f) Glucosyl units showing α-(1, 4) and α-(1, 6) linkages at the base of the double-helices (reproduced from [3]).