Are there polymers in nature?

          The very term polymer suggests that it is basically a man-made product. But, are there natural polymers? Did polymers exist in nature before humans learned to make them?

          Some polymers are found in plants and animals and they are known as natural polymers. The human body is an amazing system made of several polymers; the proteins and nucleic acids found in our body are actually polymers. The starch present in our body is made of polysaccharide, yet another polymer. Even our RNA and DNA are polymer structures.

           Plants are made up of a polymer called cellulose. Latex, a sticky white substance obtained from various plants is another commercially important natural polymer. It is harvested and made into rubber. Silk and wool are also natural polymers.

          Natural polymers are often formed by condensation reaction. The monomers condense to form polymers and in this process, they lose smaller molecules. Water is obtained as a by-product when the monomers of a natural polymer combine.

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