3.1.1 monomers and polymers Flashcards
Monomers
The smaller unit from which large molecules are made. They are small and basic units.
Polymers
Polymers are molecules made from a large number of monomers joined together in a chain. They are large and complex molecules.
Condensation reaction
Joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bond, involving the elimination of a molecule of water. (How multiple monomers join to form a polymer)
Hydrolysis reaction
Breaks a chemical bond between two molecules, involving the use of a water molecule. (Breaks down a polymer into its monomers)
Covalent bond
The sharing of two or more electrons between two atoms. It means the outer shell of both atoms is filled, so a more stable molecule is formed.
Ionic bond
When one or more electrons are transferred from the outer shell of one atom to the outer shell of another, so that both atoms have a full outer shell. The electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions is known as an ionic bond.
Hydrogen bond
When a polar molecule attracts to another polar molecule , a weak hydrogen bond is formed between the two. This is known as a hydrogen bond.
Eg. Water molecules are attracted to each other as the oxygen atom has a small negative charge, and the hydrogen atoms have a small positive charge, so a polar molecule is formed. The negative and positive regions of two polar molecules attract, known as a hydrogen bond.
Polymerisation
Occurs when two monomers are close enough that their outer orbitals overlap. This causes their outer electrons to be shared and a covalent bond is formed.
Word equation for the formation of starch
Glucose -> starch +water
-condensation reaction
Word equation for the breakdown of protein
Protein + water -> amino acids
-hydrolysis reaction
Word equation for the formation of DNA
Nulceotides -> DNA + water
-condensation reaction
