1. POLYMERS

2. What is a polymer? (monomers)
A polymer is a large molecule (a macromolecule) made up of many smaller repeating units.
(monomers)

3. Polymer
The word “poly” comes from the Greek word “many” and “mer” means “parts”.
All polymers are made of small repeating molecules called monomers.
What do you think “mono” means? mer?
one
part

4. Example:
monomer + monomer + monomer + monomer + monomer + monomer = polymer
Joining monomers to form polymers is done through a chemical reaction known as dehydration synthesis.
To make
In reality, the number of monomer units in a polymer commonly ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 or more.

5. Reversed Example:
polymer = monomer + monomer + monomer + monomer + monomer + monomer Breaking down polymers into their individual monomers is done through a chemical reaction known as hydrolysis.
To break down

6. Polymer Arrangements:
Linear Polymers
Branched Polymers
Cross-linked Polymers

7. Examples of Polymers:
Natural Polymers – nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates, lipids Manufactured Polymers - plastics, nylon, rubber, styrofoam, erasers
Some examples of things that are not polymers are metal, water, glass.

8. Natural Polymers Monomer (repeating units)
Nucleic Acid
(DNA/RNA)
nucleotide
Proteins
amino acid
Carbohydrate
(Polysaccharides)
monosaccharide
Lipid
glycerol & fatty acids

9. Manufactured Polymers
Examples
Linear
(sturdy & rigid)
Teflon, soft-drink bottles, milk containers, garden hoses
Branched
(flexible)
Plastic food wrap, sandwich bags, ketchup squeeze bottles
Cross-linked
(more cross-links=more rigid)
Bottle caps, car tires, bowling balls,

10. Lets Sum It Up!
Large molecules made up of many smaller molecules.
What are polymers? Polymers are made from __________. How are polymers formed? Through a process called __________ _______. How are polymers broken apart? Through a process called _________.
monomers
dehydration synthesis
hydrolysis

11. Separate the molecule to show two identical monomers.

12. Circle the repeating units of this polymer.

13. Newspaper Activity:
Take a piece of newspaper and try tearing it. Rotate the piece of paper 90 degrees and tear it the other way. Did you notice a difference between the tears? Why?????

14. Lets Sum It Up!
How are polymers formed? Through a process called __________ _______. How are polymers broken apart? Through a process called _________.
dehydration synthesis
hydrolysis