3.1.1 Monomers and polymers

Question 1

Describe what is meant by a monomer, and state examples

Answer 1

• A monomer is a small repeating subunit, that makes up a larger molecule
• Examples include, monosaccharides, nucleotides and amino acids

Question 2

Describe what is meant by a polymer and state examples

Answer 2

• A polymer is a large molecule made up of small repeating subunits called monomers
• Examples include polysaccharides, DNA and proteins

Question 3

Describe what is meant by a condensation reaction, and state the steps

Answer 3

• A condensation reaction is where 2 molecules are joined together, forming a chemical bond, where water is eliminated
• The steps include: Find H2O, +H2O, draw structure without water, add a bond where water initially was

Question 4

Describe what is meant by a hydrolysis reaction

Answer 4

• In a hydrolysis reaction, water is added to overcome the chemical bond between two molecules, separating them

Question 5

Is a triglyceride a polymer?
Explain your answer

Answer 5

• No.
  Polymers are made from small, repeated subunits, and a triglyceride is made from different molecules (glycerol and fatty acids) and therefore cannot be considered a
  polymer