Polymerisation is the reaction that forms polymers, which are long chains of repeating structural units called monomers. Natural polymers like DNA, RNA, cotton and wool result from materials found in nature, while addition polymerisation involves identical alkene monomers bonding together without losing atoms. Polymers have characteristics like low density, good corrosion resistance and moldability that make them useful in a variety of applications, including medicine like heart valves, industry uses like automobile parts and pipes, and sports equipment like playgrounds and balls.