Starch genomics and bioarchaeology - Review

Glucose is preferentially stored as starch in plants. Thus, the remains of such polysaccharide may represent an invaluable source of archaeological evidence. The genomics, proteomics and metabolomics pathways can be also exploited to ascertain key events in phylogenetic processes. This includes the reconstruction of polyploidization events in plants and the identification of taxonomic positions. These developments are particularly relevant for the study of selection, evolution and domestication events of microorganisms, plants and animals. They include the adaptation to such food resource and the study of paleodiets and their implications for ancient and modern animals, including humans.