Biomolecules and plastics – basic principles
How it works
Biomolecules are organic substances found in living organisms, e.g. carbohydrates, fats, proteins and nucleic acids. They contain carbon and usually also hydrogen and oxygen, often additionally nitrogen, phosphorus or sulfur. Some biomolecules are polymers, e.g. starch, cellulose, proteins or DNA; others, such as fats, are not polymers. Plastics are materials that consist predominantly of polymers and are usually produced synthetically. Their properties depend on the structure of the molecules and on functional groups. Examples are polyethylene and polyvinyl chloride. The distinction between natural polymers, synthetic polymers and other biomolecules is fundamental.
The properties of biomolecules and plastics depend on their structure: on the building blocks, their linking, the chain length and the functional groups. Not all biomolecules are polymers, but many plastics consist of polymers.
An example
Which element is contained in all biomolecules?
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50 Exercises
To the learning unit →Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Chemistry. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.