Natural polymers
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can name the monomers of some natural polymers, and understand their importance for life.
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.
Teacher tip
Use a model of DNA to show the two polymer chains and double helix structure.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What name is given to the small molecules that join together to form a polymer?
Q2.During condensation polymerisation a polymer is formed. Which other product may also be formed?
Q3.Which two functional groups are found in all amino acids?
Q4.What name is given to the polymer with a double helix structure that carries genetic information?
Q5.What is the molecular formula of glucose?
Q6.The nucleotides that make up DNA contain ...
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match the following key terms with the correct definition.
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
Q2.What do we call condensation polymers formed from amino acids?
Q3.Match the following monomers with the correct polymers they may produce.
DNA
starch and cellulose
polypeptides and proteins
Q4.Which of the following is shown in the image?
Q5.Which two products are formed from the polymerisation of amino acids?
Q6.Which of the following statements about the structure of DNA are correct?
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Natural polymers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 chemistry lesson on: Natural polymers, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
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