Question

Which of the following are biopolymers? (a) Leather (b) Nucleic acids (c) Orlon (d) Bakelite

Short answer

Nucleic acids are biopolymers.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Biopolymers

Biopolymers are natural polymers produced by living organisms. They are organic, containing monomeric units that are covalently bonded to form larger structures. Common examples include proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.

Identify Biopolymer Candidates

Review the given options: Leather, Nucleic acids, Orlon, and Bakelite. Assess each for characteristics typical of biopolymers, such as being naturally occurring and produced by living organisms.

Analyze Option (a): Leather

Leather is a material made from animal hides and skins. It is a natural product but not a polymer. Its structure is composed of collagen, a protein. While it's derived from biopolymers, leather itself is not classified as a biopolymer.

Analyze Option (b): Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are long-chain molecules made up of nucleotide monomers. They are naturally occurring and found in all living cells, fitting precisely the definition of biopolymers.

Analyze Option (c): Orlon

Orlon is a synthetic fiber made from acrylic polymers. It is man-made and not naturally occurring, thus not a biopolymer.

Analyze Option (d): Bakelite

Bakelite is a synthetic thermosetting plastic, made from phenol and formaldehyde. It is not naturally occurring and thus, not a biopolymer.

Determine the Biopolymer

Among the options, only nucleic acids fit the definition of biopolymers. Leather, Orlon, and Bakelite do not meet the criteria of natural occurrence or biological origin.

Key concepts

Nucleic acids

Nucleic acids are vital biopolymers found in all living organisms. They serve as the blueprint for the genetic instructions used in the growth, development, functioning, and reproduction of all life forms. There are two main types of nucleic acids:

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): This stores genetic information and is passed from one generation to the next.
• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): This plays a crucial role in translating genetic information from DNA to synthesize the proteins necessary for life.

Nucleic acids are made up of basic building blocks called nucleotides. Each nucleotide is composed of three parts:

• A sugar molecule
• A phosphate group
• A nitrogenous base (which could be adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, or uracil)

These nucleotides are linked together in a chain through covalent bonds, forming long strands that can carry immense amounts of genetic information. The structure of DNA is typically a double helix, while RNA is usually single-stranded.
Nucleic acids are essential for all known forms of life. Without them, organisms would not be able to store hereditary information or pass it on to their offspring.

Natural polymers

Natural polymers are large molecules composed of repeated subunits, known as monomers, which are found naturally in the environment. These polymers are produced by living organisms. Nature provides a wide variety of natural polymers, such as:

• Proteins: Made from amino acids, proteins function in virtually every cellular process, including structural roles, as enzymes, and in signaling.
• Polysaccharides: Chains of sugars, such as cellulose in plant cell walls and starch in plants, which are used for energy storage.
• Nucleic acids: Polymers of nucleotides that carry genetic information.

Natural polymers are essential to life and have diverse functions that contribute to the structural and functional aspects of cells and tissues. These organic materials are often biodegradable and environmentally friendly, contrasting with many synthetic polymers.
Thanks to their natural origin, these polymers often have unique properties such as biodegradability and biocompatibility, making them crucial components of life and the environment.

Living organisms

Living organisms, ranging from the simplest bacteria to complex multicellular organisms like humans, rely on biopolymers to maintain life processes. Biopolymers such as proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates play pivotal roles in the structure and function of cells.

• Proteins are responsible for catalyzing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, and transporting molecules.
• Nucleic acids store and convey genetic information essential for growth and reproduction.
• Carbohydrates provide and store energy, and they contribute to the structure of cell walls in plants.

Different living organisms have evolved complex systems to utilize these biopolymers efficiently. For example, humans digest polysaccharides like starch into glucose for energy. Similarly, cells utilize DNA and RNA to produce proteins necessary for survival.
In essence, these biopolymers form the intricate network of interactions that sustain life. They help organisms grow, adapt, repair, and reproduce, making them indispensable to all forms of life.