What is defined as a biopolymer?

A biopolymer is defined as a polymer that is produced by living organisms, and this includes natural substances like proteins, nucleic acids (such as DNA and RNA), and polysaccharides (like starch and cellulose). These biopolymers play vital roles in biological processes—proteins serve as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules, while nucleic acids are essential for storing and transferring genetic information.

In contrast, the other options refer to synthetic or non-natural materials. For example, synthetic polymers, typically made from petroleum products, are engineered for various applications but do not originate from biological systems. Artificial compounds that mimic biological structures do not have the same origin or properties as naturally occurring biopolymers. Understanding the nature of biopolymers is crucial in biotechnology, as they are fundamental to life and have numerous applications in health, industry, and environmental sustainability.