monomers and polymers Flashcards
1
Q
define monomers
A
- small, basic molecular units from which larger molecules called polymers are made
2
Q
define polymers
A
- large, complex molecules composed of long chains of monomers joined together
3
Q
define polymerisation
A
- the process by which polymers are formed
4
Q
give examples of polymers
A
- most carbohydrates
- proteins
- nucleic acid
5
Q
give examples of monomers
A
- monosaccharides
- amino acids
- nucleotides
6
Q
what is meant by condensation?
A
- removal of a water molecule
- formation of a bond
- most biological polymers are made from their constituent monomers by condensation reactions
7
Q
give an example of a condensation reaction
A
- when two monosaccharides form a disaccharide
8
Q
what is meant by hydrolysis?
A
- requires addition of water
- breaks the chemical bond
9
Q
give an example of a hydrolysis reaction
A
- when disaccharides are split into monosaccharides
