Booklet 2 - Nucleic Acids And Proteins

Question 1

Monomers and polymers

Answer 1

Proteins, nucleic acids and complex carbohydrates are built up by linking smaller repeating molecules, each called a monomer, to form long chains called polymers

Question 2

Condensation (dehydration) reaction

Answer 2

A polymer is formed when monomers are linked together in condensation reactions. Energy is required (endergonic reaction) and water is released

Question 3

Endergonic reaction

Answer 3

Energy required

Question 4

Hydrolysis reaction

Answer 4

In a hydrolysis reaction, a polymer is broken down into its monomer constituent. Energy is released (exergonic reaction) and water is added

Question 5

Exergonic reaction

Answer 5

Energy released

Question 6

Organic Molecules

Answer 6

Every living cell is involved in making large organic molecules that are needed not only to build the body parts of organisms but also to maintain the biochemical processes that keep them living.
Organic molecules contain the three elements; carbon, oxygen and hydrogen