![]() These larger molecules then combine to form a chain. Repeating units of these polymers combine to form a polymer, i.e., a larger molecule. Monomers are the smaller sub-units that combine to form a polymer. Based on his observations, he established that these biological macromolecules result from the linkage of two kinds of bio-molecules, monomers and polymers. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for his contribution to molecular sciences. The term biological macromolecules were first coined in the 1920s by a Molecular Scientist named Herman Staudinger. To carry out the organ system's development and nourishment, these biological macromolecules or Bio-Macromolecules act as “building blocks.” They facilitate optimum development, growth, and functioning in practically all life forms. The nutrients are synthesized by all life forms at the cellular level. This reaction can also be catalyzed by enzymes.Living organisms require nutrients for the functioning and development of their organ systems. Here is the official structure of complex carbohydrates in the CIE syllabus:Ĭomplex carbohydrates can also be hydrolyzed back into simple sugars by heating with dilute hydrochloric acid. Paper chromatography can be useful in determining what amino acids are present after hydrolyzing the protein.Ĭomplex carbohydrates (polysaccharides) are made from a large number of simple sugar units that are joined via condensation polymerization. Mean while, proteins can then be hydrolyzed back to amino acids by boiling with hydrochloric acid. Each block above demonstrates a different amino acid.Īs above, amino acids can be joined together via condensation polymerization to form proteins. There are many different types of amino acids (up to 20) that can be found. Here is the official structure of protein in the CIE syllabus: Proteins are built from amino acid monomers that are joined via amide links (through condensation polymerization) – Exactly like nylon but different units! These molecules are natural polymers that you find in the body. Proteins and carbohydrates are important constituents of food. The best long-term solution to disposal would be to recycle polymer waste. Burning them isn’t good because poisonous gases form as a result. They are a major source of visual pollution and fill up available waste sites. Polymers are non-biodegradable, meaning that they do not decay. Here is the official structure of tetrylene as drawn in the CIE syllabus: ![]() These monomers are held via an ester link as shown below: ![]() In polyesters (such as tetrylene) the two monomers are a diacid and a diol. Here is the official structure of nylon as drawn in the CIE syllabus: These two monomers join together via an amide link as shown below: In polyamides (such as nylon) the two monomers are always a dicarboxylic acid (or diacid) and a diamine. During the reaction a water molecule is lost in the process (therefore condensation). In a condensation reaction, two monomers react together and join. Take notice of the fact that the double bond has become a single bond in the polymer. The contents inside the square brackets indicate the repeating unit (monomer) with the letter ‘n’ indicating the total number of the monomers throughout the structure. This have been covered briefly in the topic alkenes.īy breaking apart the double bond of alkenes, repeating units (monomers) can be joined together into a larger, longer molecule (polymer). There are two main methods of polymerization:īoth nylon and tetrylene are made via condensation polymerization. These two polymers will be covered in more detail down below Synthetic polymers are man-made polymers such as nylon (polyamide) and terylene (polyester). Different polymers are built from different monomers and have varying linkages between the monomers. ![]() Polymers are large molecules built from small units (monomers). ![]()
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