Polymers and Biomolecules

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary source of glucose for the synthesis of starch and cellulose in plants?

Respiration

Photosynthesis (correct)

Transpiration

Plant nutrition

What is the key component of plant cell walls?

Cellulose (correct)

Semisynthetic polymers

Proteins

Starch

What is the main function of proteins in the body?

Storing food

Regulating hormones

Providing energy

Building blocks (correct)

What is the result of acetylation of cellulose with acetic anhydride in the presence of sulphuric acid?

Cellulose diacetate Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of cellophane that distinguishes it from plastic sheets?

It absorbs water Signup and view all the answers

What is the composition of Rayon?

Purified cellulose Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of biodegradable polymers?

Medical goods Signup and view all the answers

What is the chemical reaction involved in the decomposition of biodegradable polymers?

Hydrolysis Signup and view all the answers

What is Polyhydroxy butyrate (PHB) obtained from?

3-hydroxy butanoic acid Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of the molecular mass of PHBV?

It is definite Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of biodegradable polymers in agriculture?

To create films and seed coatings Signup and view all the answers

What is the result of the decomposition of biodegradable polymers in the body?

Non-toxic small molecules Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the process of converting simple molecules into polymers?

Polymerization Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe polymers that are prepared in a laboratory?

Synthetic polymers Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic that distinguishes polymers from macromolecules?

Repeating unit of monomer Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the building blocks of polymers?

Monomers Signup and view all the answers

What is the classification of polymers based on their source?

Natural, synthetic, and semi-synthetic Signup and view all the answers

What are the polymers that control various life processes in plants and animals?

Biopolymers Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for thermoplastics becoming brittle over time?

Evaporation of plasticizer with time Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding plasticizers to polymers like PVC?

To make the polymer soft and readily workable on heating Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of low-density polythene that distinguishes it from high-density polythene?

It is a branched polymer Signup and view all the answers

What is the advantage of Neoprene over natural rubber?

It is more resistant to aerial oxidation Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between LDPE and HDPE?

Chain growth pattern Signup and view all the answers

What is the polymerization method used to prepare high-density polythene?

Coordination polymerization Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of adding diphenylamine to rubber?

To protect rubber from degradation on exposure to air Signup and view all the answers

Which polymer is used in the manufacture of automobile mouldings and stronger pipes?

PP Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) that makes it suitable for use in electrical insulation?

Good electrical insulation Signup and view all the answers

Which polymer is used in the manufacture of non-stick utensils and coatings?

PTFE Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of Polyethylene in the textile industry?

Packaging of textiles and foods Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Polystyrene that makes it suitable for use in high-temperature applications?

Stable up to 598 K Signup and view all the answers

What is the main application of Polyamides like Nylon-66 and Nylon-610?

Manufacturing of textile fabrics, bristles for brushes, and carpets Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) that makes it suitable for mountaineering ropes?

High tensile strength and abrasion resistance Signup and view all the answers

What is the property of thermoplastic polymers that allows them to be dissolved in suitable solvents?

Ability to dissolve in suitable solvents Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary application of Polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in textile manufacturing?

Production of clothes, carpets, and blankets Signup and view all the answers

What is the industrial use of Polyamides like Nylon-6?

Substitute of metals in bearings Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of thermoplastic polymers that allows them to be reformed and reshaped upon evaporation?

Ability to leave a tough but not flexible film upon evaporation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Polymers

Polymers are compounds of very high molecular masses formed by the combination of a large number of simple molecules.
All polymers are macromolecules but not all macromolecules are polymers.

Classification of Polymers

Natural Polymers: obtained from nature (plants and animals), essential for life, e.g., starch, cellulose, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Synthetic Polymers: prepared in laboratories, e.g., polyethene, PVC, nylon, teflon, bakelite, and synthetic rubber.
Semi-Synthetic Polymers: derived from naturally occurring polymers by chemical modifications, e.g., cellulose diacetate, rayon, and vulcanized rubber.

Biodegradable Polymers

Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB): obtained from hydroxy butyric acid, used in medical goods, agriculture, and personal hygiene products.
Poly-Hydroxybutyrate-co-β-Hydroxy valerate (PHBV): copolymer of 3-hydroxy butanoic acid and 3-hydroxy pentanoic acid.

Structural Polymers

Starch: polymer of glucose, food reserve of plants.
Cellulose: polymer of glucose, chief structural material of plants.

Protein Polymers

Proteins: polymers of α-amino acids, building blocks of animal body, essential part of food.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers of nucleotides, e.g., RNA and DNA.
Control various life processes in plants and animals, also called biopolymers.

Synthetic Polymers

Polyethylene (Polyethene): thermoplastic, used in packaging, pipes, and bottles.
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): thermoplastic, used in raincoats, handbags, and shower curtains.
Teflon: thermoplastic, used in non-stick utensils and gaskets.
Nylon: thermoplastic, used in textiles, ropes, and bearings.
Polyacrylonitrile (Orlon): thermoplastic, used in clothes, carpets, and preparation of other polymers.

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Description

This quiz covers the basics of polymers and biomolecules, including starch, cellulose, and proteins. Learn about their structure, function, and importance in plants and animals.