1.1 Monomers and polymers

Question 1

What is a monomer?

Answer 1

Small, single molecule, many of which can be joined together to form a polymer

Question 2

What is a polymer?

Answer 2

Large molecule made up of many similar/identical monomers joined together

Question 3

What is a condensation reaction?

Answer 3

• Joins two monomers together
• Eliminates a water molecule
• Forms a chemical bond (eg/glycosidic bond)

Question 4

What is a hydrolysis reaction?

Answer 4

• Separates two molecules
• Requires addition of a water molecule
• Breaks a chemical bond