Final answer:
Latex is a natural substance derived from rubber trees, which contain isoprene, the primary component of natural rubber, an elastomer used widely in products such as tires and shoe soles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Latex is a natural substance harvested from the rubber tree, primarily found in warm tropical climates. It is not plastic or resin, but rather a product obtained from the sap of these trees. Isoprene, an organic compound, is the primary constituent of natural rubber, which is an elastomer – a polymer with the ability to return to its original shape after being stretched or deformed.
The process of collecting latex involves making incisions in the bark of the rubber tree and letting the milky sap collect into vessels, a process known as 'tapping'. Afterward, this fluid is refined into rubber that's ready for commercial use. Through a method that involves coagulation, the latex solidifies in collection cups, from which it can then be processed into dry forms for marketing.
It's worth noting that natural rubber, with its high stretch ratio and resilience, is used in a variety of applications. These include pneumatic tires, shoe soles and heels, gaskets, and even in products like chewing gum, due to its waterproof nature and durability.