How starch and cellulose are treated to allow them to be used?

Starch and cellulose are treated through processes such as hydrolysis and esterification to make them more functional for various applications. Starch can be gelatinized by heating in water, breaking down its granules and making it more soluble, while cellulose can be modified through chemical treatments to create derivatives like carboxymethyl cellulose, enhancing its solubility and reactivity. These modifications allow both polysaccharides to be utilized in food, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics, among other industries.