7.2 Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers

• What are polymers composed of?

  Repeating units called monomers
• Naturally occurring polymers are produced by biological processes within living cells
• What are the two main types of polymerization processes for synthetic polymers?

  Addition and condensation
• Polyethylene is used in plastic bags due to its flexibility and low cost
• Nylon has high tensile strength and elasticity.

  True
• In condensation polymerization, monomers combine with the elimination of small molecules like water
• What property makes polyester suitable for clothing fibers?

  Strength and flexibility
• Which naturally occurring polymers are examples of carbohydrates?

  Cellulose and starch
• What type of polymerization is used to produce polyethylene?

  Addition polymerization
• What property makes polyester suitable for plastic bottles?

  Strength and flexibility
• What type of small molecule is eliminated during condensation polymerization?

  Water
• Condensation polymerization results in the formation of amide or ester linkages.
• What property of polypropylene makes it suitable for car parts?

  Strength
• What is the primary use of polyvinyl chloride (PVC)?

  Pipes
• Nylon is valued for its high tensile strength and elasticity.
• Cellulose is a structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls.

  True
• Where is starch commonly stored in plants?

  Potatoes
• Naturally occurring polymers are synthesized by living organisms through complex biological processes.

  True
• What is the fundamental difference between synthetic and naturally occurring polymers?

  Source of production
• Addition polymerization involves the elimination of small molecules.

  False
• What is the defining characteristic of addition polymerization?

  No atoms are lost
• Match the polymerization type with its mechanism:

  Addition Polymerization ↔️ Double or triple bonds break

  Condensation Polymerization ↔️ Elimination of small molecules
• What property of polyethylene makes it suitable for plastic bags and bottles?

  Flexibility
• Polyester is used in clothing fibers because of its strength and flexibility.


  True
• Arrange the following naturally occurring polymers based on their primary functions:

  1️⃣ Proteins (catalyze reactions)

  2️⃣ Cellulose (structural support)

  3️⃣ Starch (energy storage)

  4️⃣ Nucleic Acids (genetic information)
• Proteins are composed of amino acid monomers
• Match the naturally occurring polymer with its example:

  Proteins ↔️ Enzymes

  Cellulose ↔️ Wood

  Starch ↔️ Potatoes

  Nucleic Acids ↔️ DNA
• What role does starch play in plants?

  Energy storage
• Naturally occurring polymers are biodegradable, reducing their environmental impact.


  True
• Match the polymer type with its key characteristic:

  Synthetic Polymers ↔️ Non-biodegradable

  Naturally Occurring Polymers ↔️ Biodegradable
• Synthetic polymers are produced naturally by living organisms.

  False
• What are two main categories of polymers?

  Synthetic and naturally occurring
• Match the polymerization type with its definition:

  Addition Polymerization ↔️ Monomers add together directly without losing atoms

  Condensation Polymerization ↔️ Monomers combine with the elimination of small molecules
• Why is polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used in pipes and flooring?

  Rigidity and durability
• Order the steps in addition polymerization:

  1️⃣ Double or triple bonds in monomers break

  2️⃣ Monomers add together directly

  3️⃣ A long chain is formed
• Synthetic polymers are produced by living organisms.

  False
• What is the key difference in how synthetic and naturally occurring polymers are produced?

  Chemical vs biological processes
• Bakelite is an example of a polymer formed through condensation polymerization
• Nylon is used in gears due to its high tensile strength.


  True
• Polyethylene is used in plastic bags due to its flexibility and low cost.


  True