Question

Which of the following is a biodegradable polymer?

Answer 1

Biodegradable polymers are those that can be broken down by microorganisms in the environment. These polymers are typically natural or synthetic polymers that decompose into harmless substances, such as water, carbon dioxide, and biomass, over time.

Cellulose: Cellulose is a natural polymer found in the cell walls of plants. It is a biopolymer made up of glucose units linked by β-1,4-glycosidic bonds. Cellulose is biodegradable because microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi can break down the glucose-based structure into smaller, non-toxic compounds, ultimately leading to its decomposition. This makes cellulose an important biodegradable polymer used in various applications like paper, textiles, and biodegradable plastics.

Other options:

• Polyethylene: Polyethylene is a synthetic polymer that is widely used in plastic products like bags and bottles. It is not biodegradable and can persist in the environment for hundreds of years, contributing to plastic pollution.
• Polypropylene: Similar to polyethylene, polypropylene is another synthetic polymer that is commonly used for packaging, textiles, and containers. It is also non-biodegradable.
• Polystyrene: Polystyrene is another synthetic polymer often found in packaging materials, disposable cutlery, and foam products. It is not biodegradable and can take a long time to break down in the environment.

Conclusion: Among the options, cellulose is the only biodegradable polymer, making it the correct answer.