Step 1: Understanding the Question:
We need to evaluate the chemical composition and monomeric units of various natural and synthetic polymers mentioned in the options.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let us evaluate each statement:
- Statement (A): Starch is a natural polysaccharide polymer composed entirely of repeating $\alpha$-D-glucose units. It consists of two structural fractions: amylose (linear, $\alpha-1,4$-glycosidic bonds) and amylopectin (branched, $\alpha-1,4$ and $\alpha-1,6$-glycosidic bonds). Thus, statement (A) is correct.
- Statement (B): Nylon-6 is synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of caprolactam, and Nylon-6,6 is synthesized by condensation polymerization of adipic acid and hexamethylenediamine. Both are classified as condensation (step-growth) polymers because they contain amide linkages in their backbone. Thus, statement (B) is incorrect.
- Statement (C): Natural rubber is a linear polymer of 2-methylbuta-1,3-diene, commonly known as isoprene. Specifically, it is cis-1,4-polyisoprene. Thus, statement (C) is correct.
- Statement (D): Bakelite is a cross-linked thermosetting polymer obtained from the condensation reaction of phenol with formaldehyde ($\text{HCHO}$), not acetaldehyde ($\text{CH}_3\text{CHO}$). Thus, statement (D) is incorrect.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct statements are (A) and (C).