Natural polymers are the difficult connections forming the life basis on Earth. These are proteins, polysaccharides, polypeptides. Synthetic analogs (nylon, plastic, etc.) are developed after their study on the basis of the obtained data.
Despite numerous pluses of synthetics, in modern production both artificial, and natural polymers are used. Both that and others have complex chemical structure. Natural connections actively apply in the national economy (for example, rosin). Analogs of the polymers extracted earlier only in the natural way are often created (for example, synthetic rubber).
Division of natural polymers
There are separate big groups of similar connections. Polymers in them differ on the properties and a look. The first large sector is polysaccharides, the second – polypeptides and proteins. Among polysaccharides first of all it is worth calling DNA and RNA providing storage of genetic information, functioning of an organism, its internal and external building. Also starch, cellulose and chitin belong to natural polymers of group of polysaccharides.
Representatives of the second group – proteins (proteins) and polypeptides. On the basis of proteins the activity of the person and animals proceeds, it is some kind of "construction material" of an organism. The protein served as a prototype to creation of artificial connection – polyamide (plastic). Enzymes are distinguished from polypeptides. Their huge set, and each type is responsible for separate process in an organism. These are the catalysts provoking change, destruction and creation of new molecules. One more striking example of natural polymers from group of polypeptides – silk.
Artificial polymers
Plastic and nylon – polymers of artificial origin. Natural plastic do not exist, but take the natural connections received from oil as their basis. With the advent of new polymers, many productions became simpler, there were materials surpassing natural analogs in characteristics. To the invention of synthetics the textile industry used such natural polymers as cotton, jute, wool. Now without special work the synthetic fibers having necessary properties (durability, impermeability, etc.) are created. The ability to make synthetic polymers laid the foundation for a new era: the light and at the same time strong materials not subject to rotting and corrosion began to appear. Heaters and shumoizolyator, surprising on the characteristics, were thought up. Similar substances in construction, on various productions and even in the food industry became widespread. However, durability of plastic and similar to it substances strengthened a problem of environmental pollution as production it, as a rule, is poisonous, and connection can be in the earth, without breaking up, hundreds of years. In this regard, a lot of time was spent on creation of biodegradable plastic though they did not find wide popularity.