What is the primary storage compound found in sweet potatoes?

The primary storage compound found in sweet potatoes is starch. Starch is a polysaccharide composed of glucose units and serves as a form of energy storage for the plant. In sweet potatoes, starch is stored in specialized cells, providing the plant with energy reserves that can be utilized during periods when photosynthesis is not possible, such as at night or during times of low light conditions.

In addition to serving as an energy source, starch in sweet potatoes is significant for human nutrition, as it is a complex carbohydrate that can contribute to dietary energy intake. Sweet potatoes are a particularly good source of starch, making them nutritious and energy-dense foods.

Other components like fat and protein play distinct roles in plants and are not the primary storage forms of energy in sweet potatoes. Cellulose, while an important structural component of plant cell walls, does not serve as an energy storage compound. Thus, starch is the correct choice as it aligns with the biological function and composition of sweet potatoes.