Biopolymers

Biopolymers

Biopolymers (pronunciation: /baɪoʊˈpɒlɪmər/) are a type of polymer that are produced by living organisms. They are made up of monomeric units that are covalently bonded to form larger structures.

Etymology

The term "Biopolymer" originates from the Greek words 'bios', meaning life, and 'polymeres', meaning many parts.

Types of Biopolymers

There are three main types of biopolymers, classified according to the monomeric units used and the structure of the biopolymer formed:

1. Polynucleotides: These are long polymers composed of 13 or more nucleotide monomers. Examples include DNA and RNA.
2. Polypeptides: These are short polymers composed of amino acid monomers. Examples include proteins and peptides.
3. Polysaccharides: These are long polymers composed of sugar monomers. Examples include starch, cellulose, and glycogen.

Applications

Biopolymers have a wide range of applications in industries such as medicine, agriculture, and packaging. They are used in the production of biodegradable plastics, drug delivery systems, and in tissue engineering.

Related Terms

• Polymer
• Monomer
• Polynucleotide
• Polypeptide
• Polysaccharide
• DNA
• RNA
• Protein
• Peptide
• Starch
• Cellulose
• Glycogen
• Biodegradable plastic

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Biopolymers
• Wikipedia's article - Biopolymers

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