C11: Polymers Flashcards
What are the 2 different functional groups in amino acids?
Amine and carboxyl
How do amino acids react? What do they produce?
By condensation polymerisation. They produce polypeptides
What is DNA useful for?
Encoding genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms and viruses
Describe the structure of a DNA molecule in 3 ways
It is made up of 2 polymer chains, from 4 different monomers called nucleotides, in the form of a double helix
Give 3 examples of naturally occurring polymers
Polypeptides, carbohydrates and DNA
What monomers make up cellulose?
Sugar molecules
What hydrocarbon is used to make polymers? How?
Alkenes. By addition polymerisation
What does condensation polymerisation involve?
Monomers with 2 functional groups
What happens when the monomers in condensation polymerisation react?
They join together, losing small molecules such as water.
Where are the simplest polymers produced?
From 2 different monomers with 2 of the same functional groups on each monomer
What different monomers are used in polyesters?
A dicarboxylic and a diol
Can addition polymerisation occur with alkanes?
No
How does a dicarboxylic acid and a diol react?
The dicarboxylic acid gives up its OH, which a diol gives up its H
What is a difference between addition polymers and polyesters?
Polyesters are generally biodegradable, so microorganisms can break them down
