In this deck, we will explore polymers made by nature. You will learn about the building blocks of proteins, the structure of DNA which carries genetic information, and other important natural polymers like starch and cellulose.

Let's start with proteins. Proteins are essential molecules that perform countless jobs in living organisms, from building muscles to acting as enzymes. They are polymers, and their monomers are called amino acids.

All amino acids share a general structure. They have a central carbon atom bonded to two important functional groups: an amino group, which is written as N H two, and a carboxyl group, written as C O O H.

Amino acids join together in a process called condensation polymerisation. The carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another. When they join, a molecule of water is eliminated, and a strong bond is formed between them.