Naturally Occurring Polymers (DNA, Starch, Proteins) — AQA GCSE Chemistry (Separate)
Many important molecules in living things are natural polymers made by condensation polymerisation.
Proteins
Proteins are natural polymers made from amino acid monomers joined together. Different amino acids combine in a particular order to make a protein, which folds into a specific shape. Proteins include enzymes.
Carbohydrates: starch and cellulose
Starch and cellulose are natural polymers made from sugar (glucose) monomers. They are examples of carbohydrates.
DNA
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a very large natural polymer that encodes genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms.
- DNA is made from monomers called nucleotides.
- Two polymer chains are arranged in a double helix.
Condensation polymers
These natural polymers are formed by condensation polymerisation — small molecules (such as water) are released as the monomers join.
Exam tips
- Proteins are made from amino acids; starch and cellulose from glucose (sugars); DNA from nucleotides.
- DNA is two chains in a double helix.
- These are natural polymers formed by condensation polymerisation.
- Link proteins to enzymes and DNA to genetic instructions.