Monomers and polymers

• What are Monomers?


  Single subunits, or building blocks of life.

  E.G. amino acids and monosaccharides.
• What are Polymers?


  Complex molecules that are formed by combining monomers using covalent bonds.

  EG protien, starch and DNA.
• What is a condensation reaction?

  Formation of polymers from monomers with the release of water.
• What are the products the condensation of amino acids?

  Protiens
• What does the condensation of 2 monosaccharides produce?

  Disaccharides
• What does the condensation of fatty acids and monoglycerides produce?

  Lipids.
• What are hydrolysis reactions?

  Break down of polymers using water.
• Why do we use hydrolysis?

  To break down larger molecules into smaller ones so that they can be used to full effect.
• What is the hydrolysis product of proteins?

  Amino acids.
• What are the hydrolysis products of carbohydrates?

  Monosaccharides and Disaccharides.
• What are the hydrolysis products of lipids?

  Fatty acids and glycerol.