STUDENT SPACE · TOPIC 3

Proteins and plastic disposal

Connect polymer structure with natural proteins and disposal choices.

The essentials

Amino acid monomers have the structure H₂N–CH(R)–COOH. R represents a side chain.
A section of the chain is –NH–CH(R)–CO–NH–CH(R′)–CO–. Side chains may differ.
Durability is useful during use but can make disposal difficult. Many plastics persist in landfill or accumulate in oceans.
Burning plastics can release toxic gases. Landfill uses space and leaves persistent material. Reducing use and reuse avoid waste.

Try each question before opening its hint or answer. Use paper for calculations and diagrams.

Why are proteins described as polyamides?

Need a hint for Question 1?

Name the structural feature first, then connect it to the property or process.

Check Question 1

They contain repeated amide links formed by condensation of amino acids.

Draw the general structure of an amino acid and circle both functional groups.

Need a hint for Question 2?

Put an amino and a carboxyl group on the central carbon.

Check Question 2

H₂N–CH(R)–COOH. Circle –NH₂ and –COOH.

Give one problem with landfill and one problem with plastic accumulating in oceans.

Need a hint for Question 3?

Separate waste persistence from effects on marine organisms.

Check Question 3

Persistent waste and space use in landfill. Ingestion, entanglement or lasting pollution in oceans.

Use Lesson 3 in your worksheet for written practice. Your teacher will discuss those answers in class.