Polymers are large molecules and have the same structural unit that repeats over and over again and these repeating units are known as monomers. These monomers are attached to each other with covalent bonds and form polymers. Polymers are generally made of high molecular weight and over 10,000 atoms. In the synthesis process, known as polymerization, in which longer polymer chains are obtained. Polymers are mainly divided into two types based on their synthesis method. If monomers have double bonds between carbons resulting from addition reactions, polymers can be synthesized. These polymers are known as addition polymers. In some polymerization reactions, when two monomers are joined, a small molecule such as water is removed. Such polymers are condensation polymers. Polymers have very different physical and chemical properties than their monomers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Polymers have very different physical and chemical properties than their monomers. Furthermore, depending on the number of repetitions of the polymer, the properties differ. The polymers present in the natural environment are numerous and play a very important role. Synthetic polymers are also widely used for different purposes. Polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC, nylon and Bakelite are some of the synthetic polymers. When producing synthetic polymers, the process should always be highly controlled to obtain the desired product. Polymers are used as adhesives, lubricants, paints, films, fibers, plastic items, etc. We now come to biopolymers: they are polymers synthesized by living organisms. There are three main biopolymers in the living system called polysaccharides, proteins and polynucleotides (nucleic acid). The structural unit of polysaccharides is monosaccharides (sugars). When two monosaccharides are joined to form a glycosidic bond, a water molecule is released. Polysaccharides play structural and functional roles in organisms. Glycogen is a storage polysaccharide, while cellulose is a component of the cell walls of plant cells. Glucose is the monomer of both glycogen and cellulose polymers. Proteins are made up of polypeptides, which are biopolymers of amino acid monomers. DNA and RNA are two vital polynucleotides found in organisms. The biopolymer synthesis process is a dehydration process, in which a water molecule is released with the formation of a covalent bond. Biopolymers are very complex and there is a wide variety of them. They can be linear or branched, and the folding patterns are unique to each biopolymer. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Unlike synthetic polymers, biopolymers are easily degraded. Therefore biopolymers can be used to replace some of the synthetic polymers. They can be hydrolyzed by enzymes, or they can be denatured by heating, addition of chemicals, or mechanical forces. Biopolymers have a defined and very specific structure, because the biological system is highly selective in nature.