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Synthetic & Natural Polymers Practice Questions

Question 1

3 marks

This question is about polymers.

Table 1 shows the structural formulae of four molecules.

Table 1

Molecule Structural formula
A CH3CH2CH3\mathrm{CH_3CH_2CH_3}
B CH2=CHCH2CH3\mathrm{CH_2{=}CHCH_2CH_3}
C CH3CH2OH\mathrm{CH_3CH_2OH}
D CH3COOH\mathrm{CH_3COOH}
(a)

Which molecule in Table 1 can be used as a monomer to make an addition polymer?

Tick (✓) one box.

  • A
  • B
  • C
  • D
(b)

Give the reason for your answer to part (a).

(c)

Name the polymer produced from molecule B.

Question 2

3 marks

Plant and animal cells contain naturally occurring polymers.

(a)

Complete Table 2 by naming the monomers from which each polymer is made.

Table 2

Polymer Monomer
DNA nucleotides
Starch
Protein
(b)

Explain why starch is described as a polymer.

Question 3

2 marks

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a large molecule found in the cells of living organisms.

(a)

Which statement describes the shape and structure of most DNA molecules?

Tick (✓) one box.

  • one polymer chain in the shape of a ring
  • one polymer chain in the shape of a single helix
  • two polymer chains in the shape of a double helix
  • four polymer chains in the shape of a flat sheet
(b)

Give the function of DNA in living organisms.