Biopolymers are polymers produced by living organisms. They are long-chain molecules made up of repeating monomer units. The three main classes of biopolymers are polysaccharides, polypeptides, and polynucleotides. These correspond to carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids, respectively.
Biopolymers have existed for as long as life itself. They are the building blocks of all living things. The study of biopolymers began in the 19th century with the work of scientists like Emil Fischer, who determined the structure of proteins.
Biopolymers are essential for life. They play a variety of roles in the cell, including energy storage, structural support, and catalysis. Biopolymers are also used in a variety of commercial applications, such as in the food industry, medicine, and as a source of biofuels.