Question

Which of the following is a natural polymer?

• A. Polyethylene
• B. Nylon
• C. Cellulose
• D. PVC

Hint:

Common natural polymers to remember for competitive exams:
- Cellulose, Starch, Glycogen (Polysaccharides)
- Proteins, Silk, Wool (Polypeptides)
- Natural Rubber (Polyisoprene)

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question asks to identify the natural polymer from the given options.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Polymers are classified by their origin into three groups:
1. Natural polymers: Synthesized naturally by plants and animals.
2. Synthetic polymers: Man-made polymers synthesized in laboratories from petrochemical monomers.
3. Semi-synthetic polymers: Derived from natural polymers through chemical modifications.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• Polyethylene: A synthetic polymer made by the addition polymerization of ethylene monomers ($-\text{[CH}_2\text{-CH}_2\text{]}_n-$).

• Nylon: A synthetic polyamide polymer characterized by amide linkages. It is synthesized by condensation polymerization of diamines and dicarboxylic acids.

• Cellulose: A naturally occurring organic polymer consisting of a linear chain of hundreds to thousands of linked $\beta(1\rightarrow4)$ D-glucose units. It is the primary structural component of green plants' cell walls and is the most abundant natural polymer on Earth.

• PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride): A synthetic plastic polymer produced by polymerizing vinyl chloride monomers.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Cellulose is the natural polymer.