3.1.1 monomers and polymers

Question 2

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

Answer 2

All biological molecules contain:
- carbon
- hydrogen
- oxygen
Some also contain:
- sulfur
- nitrogen

Question 3

What are monomers?

Answer 3

The smaller units from which larger molecules (polymers) are made

Question 4

What are polymers?

Answer 4

Molecules made from a large number of monomers joined together

Question 5

What are three examples of monomers?

Answer 5

• amino acids
• monosacharides
• nucleotides

Question 6

What is a condensation reaction?

Answer 6

Joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bond and involves the loss of one molecule of water

Question 7

What is a hydrolysis reaction?

Answer 7

Breaks the chemical bond between two molecules and involves the use of one molecule of water

Question 8

What are monosaccharides?

Answer 8

The monomers from which larger carbohydrates are made. Glucose, galactose and fructose are common monosaccharides.

Question 9

What bond does a condensation reaction between two monosahcarides form?

Answer 9

1-4 glycosidic bond

Question 10

What are three examples of disaccharides and the monosacharides they are made from?

Answer 10

• maltose: 2 alpha glucose
• sucrose: alpha glucose and fructose
• lactose: alpha glucose and galactose