Biopolymer
Synonyms
Keywords
Biopolymer, cellulose, chitin, exopolymers, heteropolymer, homopolymer, nucleic acid, peptidoglycan, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polypeptide, polyphosphate, polysaccharide, protein, silicate, starch
Definition
Biopolymers are organic molecules that are composed of repeating monomers and produced by living organisms. Homopolymers are such molecules that are composed of one type of monomer, while heteropolymers are composed of more than one type of monomer. Such polymers may either be a repeating unit of two or more monomers, or may be more heterogeneous, complex, and often branched.
Overview
There is a wealth of examples of biopolymers important for the organisms that produce them and for the ecosystems they inhabit. Glycogen, chrysolaminaran, and starch are examples of branched and linear polyglucoses that serve as carbon and energy storages in a variety of organisms. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), such as polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB),...
References and Further Reading
- Decho AW (1990) Microbial exopolymer secretions in ocean environments–their role(s) in food webs and marine processes. Oceanogr Mar Biol 28:73–153Google Scholar
- Joshi CP, Mansfield SD (2007) The cellulose paradox–simple molecule, complex biosynthesis. Curr Opin Plant Biol 10:220–226Google Scholar
- Latgé JP (2007) The cell wall: a carbohydrate armour for the fungal cell. Mol Microbiol 66:279–290Google Scholar
- Passow U (2002) Transparent exopolymer particles (TEP) in aquatic environments. Prog Oceanogr 55:287–333ADSGoogle Scholar
- Rinaudo M (2006) Chitin and chitosan: properties and applications. Prog Polym Sci 31:603–632Google Scholar
- Verlinden RAJ, Hill DJ, Kenward MA, Williams CD, Radecka I (2007) Bacterial synthesis of biodegradable polyhydroxyalkanoates. J Appl Microbiol 102:1437–1449Google Scholar