polymers

     

A polymer is a large molecule (macromolecule) compose of repeating structural units connected by covalent chemical bonds. The word is derived from the Greek, πολυ, poly, "many"; and μέρος, meros, "part". Well known examples of polymers include plastics, DNA and proteins. A simple example is polypropylene whose repeating unit structure is shown at right.

Trivia about polymers

  • In a chemical process, monomers, small molecules, link in chains to form these large molecules
  • Cellulose & nylon are examples of these large molecules made up of many smaller molecules called monomers