ABSTRACT
As the continued use of fossil fuels becomes an ever more
untenable proposition, it is critical that alternative, sustainable
resources be developed to replace them. Plant biomass is one of
the leading candidates to fill this role, and starch is the second-
largest component of this material (after cellulose) and perhaps
the most easily utilizable. Additionally starch is a very important
part of the food supply, making up a large portion of human calorie
consumption.