Polyesters & Amino Acids & Naturally Occurring Polymers & DNA

What monomers can be used to make a polyester & what do they contain?

A diol and a dicarboxylic acid. A diol contains: two –OH groups -- A dicarboxylic acid contains: two –COOH groups

Why can these molecules form long chains?

Each monomer has two functional groups, allowing it to bond to molecules on both sides.

What two functional groups does an amino acid contain?

Amino group: –NH₂ -- Carboxylic acid group: –COOH

How do amino acids form polypeptides?

Amino acids undergo condensation polymerisation, joining together while small molecules such as water are eliminated.

What type of polymer is produced from amino acids?

A polypeptide.

What happens when different amino acids are combined in a chain?

They can form proteins.

Give examples of naturally occurring polymers.

DNA, Proteins, Starch, Cellulose

What are the monomers of proteins?

Amino acids.

What are the monomers of starch?

Sugar molecules.

What are the monomers of cellulose?

Sugar molecules.

What are the monomers of DNA?

Nucleotides.

What is DNA?

A large molecule essential for life that encodes genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms and viruses.

What is the structure of most DNA molecules?

Most DNA consists of two polymer chains made from four different nucleotide monomers, arranged in a double helix.

How many different nucleotide monomers are used in DNA?

Four.