3.1.1 Monomers and Polymers

Question 1

(Monomers & Polymers) Define the term ‘monomer’.

Answer 1

Single, small, soluble, repeating units that can be bonded together to form a much longer chain, or polymer.

Question 2

(Monomers & Polymers) Define the term ‘polymer’.

Answer 2

Large, insoluble molecule (chains and / or branched) made up from many monomers.

Question 3

(Monomers & Polymers) State 3 examples of monomers.

Answer 3

Monosaccharides, amino acids and nucleotides.

Question 4

(Monomers & Polymers) How are most biological polymers formed from their monomers?

Answer 4

By condensation reactions.

Question 5

(Monomers & Polymers) What is formed and realised during a condensation reaction?

Answer 5

A chemical bond between monomers if formed and a molecules of water is realised.

Question 6

(Monomers & Polymers) How can biological polymers be broken down into monomers?

Answer 6

By hydrolysis reactions.

Question 7

(Monomers & Polymers) What is broken and used during a hydrolysis reaction?

Answer 7

The chemical bond between monomers is broken using a water molecule.