A polymer is a large molecule made up of many smaller subunits called monomers. There are different types of polymers and their uses are numerous. Even though people don't realize it, polymers play an essential role in our daily lives. Polymers range from plastics, PVC and polystyrene foam to key structures in the human body like DNA and proteins which are key components of the human body that allow each of us to live and be unique. So without polymers in our bodies we would be dead, and without them in our society it would be radically changed to say the least, for the worse. Polymers are also commonly called plastics, so now you can put into perspective just how much we use polymers. You may also realize how damaged and different our world would be without polymers. Polymers such as plastics have improved the way we do things in our society. Through the use of polymers, scientists were able to create an effective and cost-effective substitute for metals and ivory, which we used to make common objects such as handles, billiard balls and game pieces. They were all made of ivory and since ivory is very rare and difficult to obtain, the prices of all items made from this material increase. Without plastic, plates, cups and cutlery would still be made from metals or other expensive materials. But eventually, people started replacing these items with plastic. Which is easier to make and cheaper to buy. Overall, plastic has countless uses and is currently used to make many items. Without it, many items could not be mass produced and would not be affordable to the majority of people. To make a synthetic polymer, there are quite a few natural resources that are needed to... middle of paper ...... and they won't be advanced very soon, if ever. Because even though it is a very useful thing, it is also a very basic technology used mainly for simple things. In conclusion, I think there are not many people who would say that polymers are not essential after knowing and understanding the contributions. they did to this world. Because they have been a good, durable material for many years that have a multitude of good uses and without them our world would be incredibly different. They are inexpensive to make and easy to recycle, which not only benefits us but also our environment. Even though the future of polymer and plastic technology does not seem to be progressing, they are still perfect for making good, durable items. That being said, polymers as a whole are and always will be one of the major contributors to this world..