Question

Which of the following are natural polymers?
A.Proteins
B.Cellulose
C.Teflon
D.Natural Rubber

Answer 1

The formation of big molecules by the union of small, same or different molecules through the process of polymerization is known as polymer. Two types of polymers are natural and synthetic polymers. Natural polymers are naturally found in nature and synthetic ones are prepared by artificial methods.

Complete step by step answer:
Protein, cellulose and natural rubber are natural polymers and Teflon is the example of synthetic polymers.
A quick rundown of the familiar names of some names of typical man made synthetic polymers will show how closely these products touch the lives of everyone: nylon, PVC, Teflon, polyethylene, dacron, orlon, rubbers. When we also consider some natural polymers such as cellulose, starch, proteins and natural rubber, the magnitude of polymer chemistry becomes apparent.

Therefore, option A, B and D are correct options. Option C is incorrect.

Additional information:
Some of the properties of natural polymers are that they have pseudoplastic behavior, gelation ability, water binding capacity and they are not always biodegradable. In the case of humans not all of them are biodegradable. It possesses many functional groups for chemical and enzymatic modifications and conjugation of other biomolecules.
Natural polymers have eight major classes based on chemical structures: Polysaccharides, Proteins and other polyamides, Polyoxo Esters (polyhydroxyalkanoic acids), Poly Thioesters, polyanhydrides (polyphosphate), polyisoprenoids, lignin, nucleic acid.
The synthetic polymers have almost replaced traditional materials such as natural fibers say cotton, wool etc.

Note:
Natural polymers are basically isolated from plant, animal sources and can also obtain from algae. So sometimes microorganisms capable of producing this polysaccharide can be cultured and we can use it in the fermentation process.