water Flashcards
hydrolysis
breaking of polymers into monomers by adding water
water is a metabolite
in condensation
condensation
making polymers by monomers by removing water
water is a solvent
chemical reactions happen faster due to polarity of water
water is cohesive so
supports continuous column of water in transpiration stream
water has a high latent heat of vaporisation
provides a cooling effect (e.g. sweat)
water has a high specific heat capacity
buffers changes in temperature so it’s optimal for enzyme activity
Describe the chemical reactions involved in the conversion of polymers to
monomers and monomers to polymers
A condensation reaction joins monomers together and forms a
(chemical) bond and releases water;
2. A hydrolysis reaction breaks a (chemical) bond between
monomers and uses water