Question

Cellulose, protein and starch are classified as:
A) Natural polymers
B) Aldehydes
C) Esters
D) Synthetic polymers

Answer 1

To solve this we must know that cellulose, protein and starch belong to which of the following given categories. All of the three cellulose, protein and starch are formed by the chains of one or more compounds. Cellulose, protein and starch are naturally occurring compounds.

Complete step-by-step answer:
We know that a molecule that can react with other molecules to form very large molecules having high molecular weights is known as a monomer. The high molecular weight molecules formed are known as polymers. The monomer is a repeating unit of polymer.

Polymers are of two types: Natural polymers and synthetic polymers. Natural polymers are found in nature i.e. they are found in animals or plants. Examples of natural polymers are cellulose, starch, protein, silk, wood, etc.

Synthetic polymers are not found in nature i.e. they are man-made and are synthesized in laboratory. Examples of synthetic polymers are Bakelite, buna-S, buna-N, etc. Cellulose is a natural polymer which is found in plant cell walls. Cellulose helps plants to remain stiff and upright. Protein is a natural polymer found in the animal and human body. Starch is a natural polymer i.e. a polysaccharide which consists of glucose monomers. Thus, cellulose, protein and starch are classified as natural polymers.

Thus, the correct option is (A) natural polymers.

Note: Cellulose consists of thousands of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Protein is a polymer made up of long chains of amino acids that are linked together by peptide bonds. Starch is a polysaccharide which consists of glucose monomers joined by glycosidic bonds.