3.1.1 Monomers and polymers

Question 1

What does the variety of life indicate about biochemical molecules

Answer 1

The variety of life both past and present is extensive but the biochemical basis of life is similar for all living things

Question 2

What is a monomer

Answer 2

A monomer is a smaller unit from which larger molecules are made

Question 3

What is a polymer

Answer 3

A polymer is a molecule made from a large number of monomers joined together

Question 4

Give three examples of monomers

Answer 4

Monosaccharides amino acids and nucleotides

Question 5

What reaction joins two molecules together

Answer 5

A condensation reaction

Question 6

What happens in a condensation reaction

Answer 6

A condensation reaction joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bond and involves the elimination of a molecule of water

Question 7

What reaction breaks a chemical bond between two molecules

Answer 7

A hydrolysis reaction

Question 8

What happens in a hydrolysis reaction

Answer 8

A hydrolysis reaction breaks a chemical bond between two molecules and involves the use of a water molecule

Question 9

Name two other biological molecules that always contain phosphorus.

Answer 9

Any two from:
* ATP;
* ADP;
* Phospholipids;
* RNA/mRNA/tRNA/rRNA;