Key learning points

1. DNA is made from monomers called nucleotides.
2. Natural polymers are important for life.
3. The carbohydrates starch and cellulose are made from the monomer glucose.
4. 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