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Year 11 - Science

Natural polymers

Organic chemistry

Unit Summary

This unit covers identifying functional groups, naming and drawing structural formulae, and predicting reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, and carboxylic acids. It explains addition and condensation polymerisation and discusses natural polymers like DNA, sugars, and amino acids.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to name the monomers of some natural polymers, and understand their importance for life.

Key Notes

  • DNA is made from monomers called nucleotides.
  • Natural polymers are important for life.
  • The carbohydrates starch and cellulose are made from the monomer glucose.
  • Amino acids contain two functional groups and can form polypeptides and proteins.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • DNA: DNA is a polymer with a double helix structure that carries genetic information.
  • polypeptides: Polypeptides are condensation polymers formed from amino acids. They contain peptide bonds.
  • proteins: Proteins are polymer molecules made from joining amino acids together. They contain one or more polypeptide chains.
  • nucleotides: Nucleotides are monomers that join together to make the polymer chains in DNA.
  • amino acids: Amino acids are monomers that join together to form polypeptides and proteins.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Thinking that DNA is made of a single polymer chain.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the scientific idea in this lesson using two key points.

DNA is made from monomers called nucleotides. Natural polymers are important for life.

2. Define this scientific word and use it in context. 'DNA'

DNA is a polymer with a double helix structure that carries genetic information. Include the word in a full scientific explanation, not as a single label.

3. Correct this common scientific misunderstanding.

Mistake: Thinking that DNA is made of a single polymer chain. Correction: Use the slides and a model to reinforce that DNA contains two polymer chains in a double helix structure.

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