This reading introduces the students to the second "face" in this module of Faces in the Molecular Sciences, Linneaus Dorman. Dorman's work differs from that of Wallace Carothers and Stephanie Kwolek in many ways and shares many things in common with their work. Dorman's research in polymers centers on proteins and polypeptides, which are polyamides like nylon and Kevlar®. However, the applications of Dorman's work are very different from those of the work of Carothers and Kwolek. Whereas Carothers and Kwolek created new materials for making everyday items (and some not-so-everyday items, like body armor), Dorman created many materials with an eye to their biological properties.
It is important that students comprehend that this is not only a relatively new direction for at least synthetic polymers, but it is in many ways the wave of the future in polymer science. The science of plastics, rubber, and fibers is mature science. Don't expect anyone to win the Nobel Prize for a new plastic any time soon. But more and more biological uses for polymers are being uncovered and investigated daily. This is the area in which a future polymer researcher can expect to spend a career. Note that many of the research questions in the activity On Your Own Part 2 deal with biological and medical uses for polymers.
In addition to the blossoming biological use of synthetic polymers, students should learn the importance of natural polymers from the story of Linneaus Dorman. Not only should they grasp that polymers were first made in nature, but these substances are essential to life. The students should realize that the basis of all known life is nucleic acid and protein polymers. Polymers are usually associated with synthetic materials in popular thinking, so the existence and importance of natural polymers should be clearly set forth.
Of course, the story of Dorman shows how the boundary between natural and synthetic materials can be blurred. His research of peptides and amino acids led him to create amino acids and peptides that, though not found in nature, were clearly inspired by nature. Be sure this idea of nature and humans as partners in the development in materials is grasped by the students.
Relevant National Science Education Standards
Science and Technology — The reading explores the life of a scientist who used scientific knowledge to design sophisticated materials to solve practical problems. In addition, the reading offers the students an understanding of the wide biological applications of polymers.
Science in Personal and Social Perspectives — The reading shows science as used to face practical challenges, mostly in the field of human health.
History and Nature of Science — The reading clearly shows the nature of science as a human endeavor by looking at the career of an important scientist.
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