Biopolymers by monomer type: which natural biopolymers result from polymerisation of amino acids?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Proteins

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Biopolymers are categorised by their building blocks: sugars, amino acids, or nucleotides. Knowing the monomer identities clarifies structure–function relationships in biology and materials science.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Amino acids polymerise via peptide bonds to form proteins.
  • Starch and cellulose are polysaccharides (sugars).
  • Nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides.
  • Natural rubber is polyisoprene (terpene), not amino-acid based.



Concept / Approach:
Proteins are linear chains of amino acids linked through amide (peptide) bonds, folding into complex structures for enzymatic, structural, and signalling roles. Carbohydrate and nucleotide polymers have different monomers and linkages.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the monomer class: amino acids.Match to the polymer class: proteins.Exclude polysaccharides, nucleic acids, and terpenes.



Verification / Alternative check:
Biochemistry fundamentals: proteins = polypeptides; polysaccharides = sugar polymers; nucleic acids = nucleotides.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Starch/cellulose: glucose-based.Nucleic acids: nucleotide-based.Natural rubber: isoprene-based.



Common Pitfalls:
Mixing up “polyamide” (nylon) with “peptide” bonds in proteins; while both are amide linkages, their monomers and contexts differ.



Final Answer:
Proteins

More Questions from Polymer Technology

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion