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Difficulty: EasyBiodegradable vs Non-Biodegradable Materials and Recycling

Which of the following materials is classified as non-biodegradable because soil micro-organisms cannot decompose it?

  1. A
    Starch
  2. PolyetheneAnswer
  3. C
    Cellulose
  4. D
    Protein

Answer

Polyethene is non-biodegradable.
Polyethene is a synthetic addition polymer. Because soil micro-organisms lack enzymes capable of breaking down its continuous carbon-carbon single bonds, it remains intact in the environment for long periods, leading to persistent pollution.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Classify the given substances into natural polymers and synthetic addition polymers.
Starch, cellulose, and proteins are natural polymers produced by living organisms, whereas polyethene is a synthetic addition polymer.
Biological decomposers possess specific enzymes capable of hydrolyzing the chemical linkages in natural polymers.
2
Determine biodegradability based on resistance to microbial action.
Polyethene contains a stable, non-polar carbon-carbon backbone that soil micro-organisms cannot digest.
Materials that resist natural biological breakdown by bacteria and fungi are classified as non-biodegradable.

Key Concept

Biodegradable vs Non-Biodegradable Polymers
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Topics

Biodegradable vs Non-Biodegradable Materials and Recycling

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