molecules of life

• what is polymer


  large complex molecules composed of long chains of monomers joined together
• what is a monomer


  small, basic molecular units that can form a polymer
• give 2 examples of monomers


  monosaccharides, amino acids
• explain what happens in a condensation reaction between 2 monomers


  a condensation reaction forms a chemical bond between monomers releasing a molecule of water
• what type of reaction involves breakage of a chemical bond between 2 monomers using water?


  hydrolysis
• Glucose


  Molecular formula = C6H12O6

  It is a monosaccharide

  made by plants and algae during photosynthesis

  used as an energy source in all organisms
• tiglycerides

  are lipids

  made up of glycerol and fatty acids

  energy storage molecules

  provide insulation

  provide layer of protection around organs
• Haemoglobin


  Globular protein

  found in red blood cells

  carries oxygen in the blood forming oxyhaemoglobin
• DNA


  Polynucleotide

  holds and stores genetic information in living organisms