Biopolymers
16.10.2024
Biopolymers
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For Prelims: About Biopolymers, Characteristics of Biopolymers, Benefits Of Biopolymers |
Why in the news?
Recently, the Union Minister inaugurated India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers in Pune.
About Biopolymers:
- These are materials that have been manufactured from biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils, sugars, resins, and proteins.
- The biopolymers have more complex structures than synthetic polymers therefore they are more active in vivo.
- Furthermore, as biopolymers are biodegradable their decomposition is easily done by bacteria in the soil environment, as compared to synthetic polymers which cause environmental pollution due to incineration.
Characteristics of Biopolymers:
- They can control the life processes of living organisms and are environmentally friendly.
- They are decomposed by the processes named –oxidation (mainly reaction with oxygen), hydrolysis (decomposition by water) or by some enzymes.
- Some of them are compostable and can show some chemical properties on their surface.
- Biopolymers like polylactic acid, polyglycolide, poly 3-hydroxybutyrate etc. may show plastic properties and instead.
Benefits Of Biopolymers:
- These polymers can reduce carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere and also decrease carbon emissions.
- This happens because bio-degradation of these chemical compounds can release carbon dioxide that can be reabsorbed by crops grown as a substitute in their place.
Source: PIB
Consider the following statements regarding Biopolymers:
Statement-I: These are manufactured from biological sources such as fats, vegetable oils.
Statement-II:These materials do not get decomposed by bacteria in the soil environment.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
C.Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect.
D.Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct.
Answer C