Molecules of Life

• What are polymers made up of?

  Polymers are made up of many monomers joined together.
• What process do amino acids undergo to form a polypeptide?

  A condensation reaction.
• How do amino acids join together in a condensation reaction?

  By removing a hydroxyl group from one monomer and a hydrogen from another, forming water.
• What is produced during a condensation reaction?

  Water (H$_2$O).
• What type of bond is formed between monomers during a condensation reaction?

  A covalent bond.
• What is the process called that breaks down polymers?

  Hydrolysis reaction.
• How does a hydrolysis reaction break down polymers?

  By adding water to the polymer.
• What is the relationship between condensation and hydrolysis reactions?

  Hydrolysis is the reverse of condensation, involving the addition of water.
• What are the key differences between condensation and hydrolysis reactions?

  • **Condensation Reaction:**
  • Forms bonds between monomers
  • Produces water
  • Converts monomers to a polymer

  
  

  • **Hydrolysis Reaction:**
  • Breaks bonds in polymers
  • Requires the addition of water
  • Converts a polymer to monomers
• What is the outcome of a hydrolysis reaction?

  It results in the breakdown of a polymer into monomers.
• What happens to the hydroxyl group and hydrogen during a hydrolysis reaction?

  They are added to the monomers during the breakdown process.
• How does the addition of water affect the structure of a polymer during hydrolysis?

  It breaks the bonds between monomers, resulting in separate monomers.