# Explain why nylon and DNA are both described as polymers. Include in your answer the role of monomers and the type of bonding found in both polymers.

> AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462) — 4.7.3 Synthetic and naturally occurring polymers (Chem only) · Explain · 4 marks

> Nylon is a synthetic polymer used to make fabrics and ropes. DNA is a naturally occurring polymer found in the cells of living organisms.

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Polymers are large/long-chain molecules made up of many small monomers joined together
2. Nylon is a synthetic/man-made polymer (not naturally occurring)
3. DNA is a naturally occurring polymer because it is made/found in living organisms
4. Both polymers contain covalent bonds (joining the monomers/repeat units together)

## Key terms

- [polymers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polymers)
- [monomers](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monomers)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA GCSE Chemistry (8462)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-nylon-and-dna-are-76cee9d0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.