Final answer:
To alter a hydrophobic organic polymer, the introduction of polar atoms or groups, such as hydroxyl via hydrolysis, or addition of phosphate groups, can modify its properties.
Step-by-step explanation:
To modify the standard organic polymer that is typically hydrophobic, the addition of polar groups or atoms such as hydroxyl groups (OH) can be involved. For example, through hydrolysis, a polymer can be broken down into monomers by splitting a water molecule and adding OH to one monomer and H to another, which can change the properties of the polymer.
Another common modification is phosphorylation, where one or more phosphate groups are added to the polymer, introducing a polar characteristic and potentially altering the polymer's interactions with water. Addition polymers such as polyethylene are formed by reactions between monomers with double bonds, and their properties can also be modified by incorporating different monomers or adding specific functional groups during polymerization.