From DNA to Silly Putty: The diverse world of polymers - Jan Mattingly

TED-Ed
10 Dec 201305:00
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRPolymers, large molecules composed of repeated monomer units, are ubiquitous in our lives, forming the basis of natural substances like DNA and cellulose, as well as synthetic materials like plastics and rubber. Derived from petroleum, they are created through addition or condensation reactions. The invention of Bakelite in 1907 marked the plastics industry's boom, but the environmental impact of non-biodegradable plastics, like Styrofoam, raises concerns. Polymers' versatility makes them indispensable, yet their disposal poses significant ecological challenges.

Takeaways
  • 🧬 Polymers are large molecules composed of smaller units called monomers, which are linked together like railroad cars.
  • 🌳 All living organisms contain polymers, including complex carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.
  • 🌲 Cellulose, a polymer, is a key component of trees and plants, providing structure to bark and stems.
  • 🦂 Arthropods, the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, have exoskeletons made of the polymer chitin.
  • 🧶 Synthetic polymers such as synthetic fibers, rubbers, and plastics are derived from petroleum oil and are made through chemical reactions.
  • 🔬 The two primary reactions for creating synthetic polymers are addition reactions, where monomers simply add together, and condensation reactions, which produce a small molecule like water.
  • 🔍 The first synthetic polymers were discovered accidentally and were initially considered useless by chemists.
  • 📞 Leo Baekeland's work with a discarded by-product led to the creation of Bakelite, a plastic that could be shaped using pressure and high temperatures.
  • 🎈 Silly Putty, another accidental invention, was initially an attempt to create synthetic rubber during World War II but ended up being a bouncy putty instead.
  • 🚯 While polymers are ubiquitous and useful in daily life, some like Styrofoam can have negative environmental impacts, potentially releasing toxic substances.
  • 🌊 Plastics created by addition polymerization, such as plastic bags and PVC, are durable but do not biodegrade easily, leading to environmental pollution and health concerns.
Q & A

  • What is a polymer?

    -A polymer is a large molecule composed of small units called monomers, which are linked together in a repeating pattern, similar to railroad cars in a train.

  • What does the prefix 'poly' mean in the context of polymers?

    -The prefix 'poly' means 'many', indicating that polymers are made up of many repeating units.

  • What are the types of monomers that can be used to form polymers?

    -Polymers can be made by repeating the same small monomer over and over again, or they can be made from two different monomers linked in a specific pattern.

  • Why are polymers essential to living organisms?

    -Polymers are essential to living organisms because they form the structural and functional basis of many biological molecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

  • What is the role of cellulose in plants?

    -Cellulose is a polymer that provides structural support in plants, found in their bark and stems, making them tough and rigid.

  • What is the primary component of feathers, fur, hair, and fingernails?

    -The primary component of feathers, fur, hair, and fingernails is the protein keratin, which is also a type of polymer.

  • What polymer makes up the exoskeletons of arthropods?

    -The exoskeletons of arthropods are made of the polymer chitin.

  • How are synthetic polymers typically derived?

    -Synthetic polymers are derived from petroleum oil and are manufactured through chemical reactions.

  • What are the two common types of reactions used to make polymers?

    -The two common types of reactions used to make polymers are addition reactions and condensation reactions.

  • Who is credited with the creation of the first synthetic polymer, Bakelite?

    -Leo Baekeland is credited with the creation of the first synthetic polymer, Bakelite, which was initially considered a useless by-product.

  • What was the accidental invention of Silly Putty during World War II intended to be?

    -Silly Putty was accidentally invented during an attempt to create synthetic rubber for the military, but it ended up being a bouncy, gooey substance instead.

  • Why are some synthetic polymers considered harmful to the environment?

    -Some synthetic polymers, like Styrofoam, are harmful because they are made from materials that can release toxic substances into the environment and do not biodegrade, leading to pollution and health concerns.

Outlines
00:00
🧬 Polymers: The Building Blocks of Life and Industry

This paragraph introduces polymers as large molecules composed of smaller units called monomers, highlighting their ubiquity in both natural and synthetic forms. It explains that polymers are essential to life, forming the basis of complex carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and structural materials like cellulose and chitin. The paragraph also delves into the origins of synthetic polymers, including the accidental discovery of Bakelite and Silly Putty, and touches on the environmental impact of certain polymers like Styrofoam and plastic bags, which are non-biodegradable and can be harmful to marine life and human health.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Polymers
Polymers are large molecules composed of repeated smaller units known as monomers. They are central to the video's theme as they encompass a vast array of materials found in both natural and synthetic forms. Examples from the script include silk, DNA, and plastics, highlighting their ubiquity in everyday life and their diverse applications.
💡Monomers
Monomers are the small molecular units that form the building blocks of polymers. They are linked together to create polymers, as the term 'poly' means many, and 'mono' means one. In the script, the concept of monomers is essential for understanding how polymers are constructed, such as in the formation of proteins from amino acids.
💡Macromolecules
Macromolecules are large molecules, like polymers, that have a high molecular weight and are composed of thousands of atoms. The script mentions that many organic molecules in organisms that play structural roles or store genetic information are macromolecules, such as DNA and proteins, emphasizing their significance in biological systems.
💡Cellulose
Cellulose is a natural polymer found in trees and plants, particularly in the cell walls, providing structural support. The script describes cellulose as the tough substance found in bark and stems, illustrating its role in the composition of plant life.
💡Keratin
Keratin is a fibrous protein and a polymer that forms the primary structural constituent of feathers, fur, hair, and fingernails in animals. The script uses keratin as an example of a natural polymer that is part of various biological structures.
💡Chitin
Chitin is a polymer that forms the exoskeletons of arthropods, which is the largest phylum in the animal kingdom. The script highlights chitin to show how polymers are crucial in the structural integrity of certain organisms.
💡Addition Reactions
Addition reactions are a type of chemical reaction used to create polymers where monomers simply add together to form a long-chain polymer. The script explains this process starting with a free radical, which initiates the formation of new bonds, and is key to understanding how synthetic polymers are manufactured.
💡Condensation Reactions
Condensation reactions are another method of polymer formation where a small molecule, like water, is produced alongside the chain-extending reaction. This concept is introduced in the script to contrast with addition reactions and to show the diversity in polymer synthesis.
💡Bakelite
Bakelite is an early synthetic polymer invented by Leo Baekeland, which was initially considered a useless by-product but later became a versatile plastic used in various applications like telephones and electrical insulators. The script uses Bakelite to illustrate the evolution and potential of synthetic polymers.
💡Silly Putty
Silly Putty is a viscoelastic substance that was accidentally invented during an attempt to create synthetic rubber for the military during World War II. The script describes Silly Putty as an example of the unexpected innovations that can arise from polymer research.
💡Environmental Impact
The environmental impact of polymers, particularly plastics, is a significant theme in the script. It discusses how certain polymers like Styrofoam can release toxic substances and contribute to pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature, affecting marine life and potentially human health.
Highlights

Polymers are large molecules made of small units called monomers linked together, with many applications in everyday life.

Polymers are essential in living organisms, with examples including complex carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids like DNA and RNA.

Trees and plants contain the polymer cellulose, which is found in bark and stems.

Feathers, fur, hair, and fingernails are composed of the protein keratin, another type of polymer.

Arthropods, the largest phylum in the animal kingdom, have exoskeletons made of the polymer chitin.

Synthetic polymers form the basis for synthetic fibers, rubbers, and plastics, all derived from petroleum oil.

Addition reactions and condensation reactions are the two most common types of reactions used to make polymers.

The first synthetic polymers were created by accident and initially considered useless by chemists.

Leo Baekeland's work with a discarded by-product led to the creation of Bakelite, a significant development in the plastics industry.

Bakelite was used in various applications such as telephones, children's toys, and electrical insulators.

Silly Putty was invented accidentally during an attempt to create synthetic rubber for the military during World War II.

Synthetic polymers have become indispensable in modern life, raising questions about their environmental impact.

Styrofoam, made mainly of styrene, has been identified as a possible carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Plastic waste, including Styrofoam, plastic bags, and PVC, does not biodegrade and can release toxic substances into the environment.

Millions of tons of plastic are dumped into landfills annually, with lasting effects on marine life and human health.

Polymers exhibit a wide range of properties, from soft and squishy to hard and strong, allowing for diverse applications.

Despite their usefulness, some polymers contribute to pollution in oceans, cities, and waterways, with health effects still being understood.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

Uses Of Polymers | Organic Chemistry | Chemistry | FuseSchool

Synthetic Polymers | Organic Chemistry | Chemistry | FuseSchool

A brief history of plastic

Polymer | classification of polymer on the basis of source | engineering chemistry | mohan dangi

CHEMICAL REACTIONS + More Chemistry-Based Experiments At Home | Science Max | Full Episodes

34. Introduction to Organic Chemistry (Intro to Solid-State Chemistry)

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
PolymersDNAPlasticSilly PuttyCelluloseKeratinChitinSynthetic FibersAddition ReactionBakeliteEnvironmental Impact