Step 1: Identifying the Biodegradable Polymer Components.
Biodegradable polymers are those that can be broken down by microorganisms into natural substances such as water and carbon dioxide.
Step 2: Recognizing Monomers.
- A well-known biodegradable polymer is Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), which are derived from hydroxy acids.
- The monomers given in option (4) contain hydroxyl (-OH) and carboxyl (-COOH) functional groups, making them ideal candidates for forming biodegradable polymers.
- Other options include amino acids and linear dicarboxylic acids, which are less commonly used in biodegradable polymer formation.
Step 3: Conclusion. Since hydroxy acids serve as monomers for biodegradable polymers like polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), option (4) is the correct choice.