In organic chemistry, a polymer is a large molecule, or macromolecule, composed of many repeated subunits known as monomers. These monomers are typically organic compounds made up of carbon and hydrogen, and often contain oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and silicon. Polymers can be natural, like DNA, which is a biopolymer composed of nucleotide monomers, or synthetic, such as
polyethylene, made from ethylene monomers. The process of forming polymers, polymerization, can create a vast array of materials with diverse properties, from the pliable and stretchable (like rubber) to the hard and durable (like
polystyrene). This wide range of characteristics makes polymers indispensable in everyday life, utilized in everything from clothing and containers to electronics and
medical devices. Understanding polymers and their behavior is a cornerstone of materials science, leading to innovations in various fields, including engineering, textiles, and biomechanics.