Question

Match the following $$ \begin{array}{ll} \hline \text { Column-I } & \text { Column-II } \\ \hline \text { (a) Starch } & \text { (p) Polymer of amino acid } \\ \text { (b) Nylon - } 6 & \text { (q) Polymer of } \alpha-D-\text { Glucose } \\\ \text { (c) Protein } & \text { (r) Polyamide } \\ \text { (d) Natural rubber } & \text { (s) Isoprene } \\ & \text { (t) Caprolactum } \\ \hline \end{array} $$

Short answer

(a) - (q), (b) - (r), (c) - (p), (d) - (s)

Step-by-step solution

Analyze Column-I

In Column-I, the options are biological or synthetic polymers: (a) Starch, (b) Nylon - 6, (c) Protein, and (d) Natural rubber.

Analyze Column-II

In Column-II, we have chemical descriptions: (p) Polymer of amino acid, (q) Polymer of \(\alpha-D\)-Glucose, (r) Polyamide, (s) Isoprene, and (t) Caprolactum.

Match Starch (a)

Starch is a polysaccharide composed of \(\alpha-D\)-glucose units, so it matches with (q) Polymer of \(\alpha-D\)-Glucose.

Match Nylon - 6 (b)

Nylon - 6 is a type of synthetic polymer known as a polyamide, which is made from caprolactam. It matches with (t) and (r), but (r) Polyamide is more general.

Match Protein (c)

Proteins are polymers of amino acids, so match Protein with (p) Polymer of amino acid.

Match Natural Rubber (d)

Natural rubber is primarily made of a polymer called isoprene, so it matches with (s) Isoprene.

Key concepts

Biological polymers

Biological polymers are large, naturally occurring molecules essential for life. They are built from smaller repeating units called monomers. See them as the fundamental building blocks of life!
One of the most common biological polymers is starch. Starch is a polysaccharide, which means it's made up of multiple sugar molecules, specifically \(\alpha-D\)-glucose. This makes it crucial for storing energy in plants.
Another vital biological polymer is protein. Proteins are made from amino acids linked by peptide bonds. These diverse macromolecules perform numerous functions, from catalyzing biochemical reactions as enzymes to providing structural support in cells. Think of them as the versatile doers of the biological world.
Lastly, natural rubber is a biological polymer created from isoprene. It provides structural integrity and flexibility, vital for plants like rubber trees. These diverse roles underscore the importance of biological polymers in living organisms.

Synthetic polymers

Synthetic polymers are man-made, engineered to meet specific needs. These polymers have transformed modern living and are found in numerous everyday products.
Nylon - 6 is one such synthetic polymer, categorized as a polyamide due to amide linkages in its structure. It's created from monomers of a chemical called caprolactam.
Polyamides are known for their durability and strength, making them ideal for textiles, automotive parts, and various consumer goods.
Moreover, the versatility in synthetic polymers allows scientists to design them for particular functions, such as resistance to chemicals, heat, or wear. This adaptability helps tailor polymers to a wide range of industries, including medical devices and packaging.
The creation of such materials illustrates the power of chemistry in replicating and enhancing natural processes to address human needs.

Chemical bonding in polymers

Chemical bonding plays a crucial role in the formation and properties of polymers. Understanding these bonds helps predict the behavior and characteristics of different polymers.
Polymers are primarily linked by covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons. These strong bonds give polymers their robust structure.
In biological polymers like proteins, peptide bonds formed between amino acids result in complex structures with various functional properties.
For synthetic polymers, different types of chemical bonds can be introduced to alter properties. For instance, the amide linkages in polyamides like Nylon - 6 provide strength and resilience.

• Covalent bonds: Strong bonds forming the backbone of polymers.
• Hydrogen bonds: Secondary bonds that affect the polymer's physical properties.
• Ionic and Van der Waals forces: Additional interactions influencing polymer behavior.

This interplay of bonds dictates not only the strength and flexibility but also the melting points, durability, and solubility of polymers, guiding their applications in various fields.