SO WHAT ARE POLYMERS? Tiny molecules strung in long repeating chains form polymers. Why should you care? Well for one thing, your body is made of them. DNA, the genetic blueprint that defines people and other living things, is a polymer. So are the proteins and starches in the foods we eat, the wheels on our skateboards and in-line skates, and the tires on our bikes and cars. In fact, we’re surrounded by polymers every day, everywhere we go. There’s another great reason to learn about polymers. Understanding their chemistry can help us use them wisely. Once we’re familiar with the varieties of polymers that people make, such as plastics, we can recycle many of them and use them again. That’s good for the environment. Main | What Are Polymers? | In Nature | At Home | Recycling Parents and Educators | Credits | Geography Education   © 1997 National Geographic Society. All rights reserved.