How is protein a natural example of a polymer?

Protein is a natural example of a polymer because it is a large molecule composed of repeating subunits called amino acids.

Proteins are one of the most common types of polymers found in nature. A polymer is a large molecule that is made up of many smaller repeating units, known as monomers. In the case of proteins, these monomers are amino acids. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined in various ways to create a protein. The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its structure and function.

The process of forming a protein polymer is called polymerisation. This occurs in the ribosomes of cells, where individual amino acids are linked together by peptide bonds in a process known as dehydration synthesis. This is because a molecule of water is released during the formation of each peptide bond. The resulting chain of amino acids is known as a polypeptide. One or more polypeptides fold and twist into a specific shape to form a functional protein.

The properties of a protein are determined by the sequence and arrangement of its amino acids. This is why proteins are able to perform a wide range of functions in the body, from acting as enzymes to facilitate chemical reactions, to providing structural support in tissues and cells. Therefore, proteins, as natural polymers, play a crucial role in the structure and function of all living organisms.

In summary, proteins are a prime example of natural polymers. They are composed of repeating units of amino acids, linked together by peptide bonds in a process of polymerisation. The resulting protein polymers have diverse functions in the body, demonstrating the versatility and importance of polymers in nature.