Natural polymers
I can name the monomers of some natural polymers, and understand their importance for life.
Natural polymers
I can name the monomers of some natural polymers, and understand their importance for life.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 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.
Keywords
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 misconception
Thinking that DNA is made of a single polymer chain.
Use the slides and a model to reinforce that DNA contains two polymer chains in a double helix structure.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
polymer with a double helix structure that carries genetic information
polymer molecules made from joining amino acids together
monomers that join together to make the polymer chains in DNA
monomers that join together to form polypeptides and proteins
DNA
starch and cellulose
polypeptides and proteins