Definition of monomers and polymers

• What are the names of the pentose sugars shown in the image?

  • Deoxyribose
  • Ribose
• What are the biological roles of the pentose sugars (deoxyribose and ribose)?

  • Deoxyribose is a component of DNA
  • Ribose is a component of RNA
  • They are essential for the storage and transmission of genetic information in living organisms
• What are the structural differences between the hexose sugars (glucose, fructose, galactose)?

  • Glucose has an aldehyde group, fructose has a ketone group, galactose has a different orientation of the hydroxyl groups
  • Glucose and galactose are aldoses, fructose is a ketose
  • The stereochemistry of the hydroxyl groups differs between the three sugars
• What type of monomers make up starch?

  Glucose monomers
• Where is polyethene commonly used?

  • Plastic bags and packaging
  • Pipes and tubing
  • Containers and bottles
  • Electrical insulation
  • Toys and household items
• How can polymers be compared to Lego bricks?

  They are linked together like a chain
• What are monomers?

  Small molecules which may be joined to form more complex molecules called Polymers
• What is the repeat unit of the polymer polyethene?

  • -CH2-CH2-
• What is the basic structure of the simplest sugar monomers?

  Carbon ring structure with hydroxyl groups
• What is the chemical formula of the monomer ethene?

  H2C=CH2
• What is the difference between a monomer and a polymer?

  • Monomers are small molecules that can be joined together to form larger, more complex molecules called polymers.
  • Polymers are made up of many repeating monomer units connected in a chain-like structure.
• What is the relationship between monomers and polymers?

  • Monomers are the building blocks of polymers
  • They combine through covalent bonds
  • Polymers are larger, complex structures formed from monomers
• What are polymers made of?

  Many monomers linked together
• How do monomers relate to polymers?

  Monomers combine to form specific polymers
• What is the significance of the image showing ethene monomers and polyethene?

  It illustrates how repeating units build larger structures
• How are polymers formed from monomers?

  • Monomers undergo a process called polymerization, where they are joined together through covalent bonds to form long polymer chains.
  • The number of monomer units in a polymer chain determines its molecular weight and properties.
• What does the image illustrate about ethene monomers?

  They join to form polyethene structures
• What are the key properties of polyethene?

  • Thermoplastic (can be melted and reshaped)
  • High tensile strength
  • Resistant to chemicals and corrosion
  • Good insulator (electrical and thermal)
  • Lightweight
• How do hexoses and pentoses differ in structure?

  • Hexoses (e.g., glucose): 6-membered ring
  • Pentoses (e.g., ribose): 5-membered ring
• What are some key differences between monomers and polymers?

  • Monomers are small, simple molecules, while polymers are large, complex molecules made up of many monomer units.
  • Monomers can be joined together through polymerization to form polymers with different properties and functions.
  • The size and structure of polymers can be tailored by controlling the type and number of monomers used.
• What is the structure of polymers?

  Linear chain structure with repeating units
• What is the name of the monomer shown in the image?

  Ethene
• What is the name of the sugar molecule shown in the third image?

  Galactose
• How does the structure of polyethene contribute to its properties?

  • The long, flexible hydrocarbon chains give polyethene high tensile strength and toughness.
  • The lack of polar groups makes polyethene resistant to chemicals and a good insulator.
  • The simple, repeating structure allows the chains to pack closely together, increasing density and strength.
• What is the role of starch in plants?

  Used for energy storage
• How do monomers relate to polymers?

  Monomers are the building blocks of polymers
• How does the structure of poly(ethene) illustrate the concept of polymers?

  It shows monomers forming a continuous chain
• How do the structures of deoxyribose and ribose differ?

  • Deoxyribose is missing an oxygen atom on the second carbon, while ribose has an oxygen atom there
  • This structural difference affects the stability and reactivity of the sugars
• What are monomers?

  Building blocks that combine to form polymers
• How does the arrangement of hydroxyl groups affect sugar monomers?

  It creates different sugar isomers with distinct properties
• What is the chemical structure of a monomer?

  CH2=CH2
• How does the structure of the polymer polyethene differ from the monomer ethene?

  The polymer has a long chain of repeating -CH2-CH2- units, while the monomer has a double carbon-carbon bond
• What is the analogy used to describe the structure of polymers?

  • Like Lego bricks stacked end to end
  • Creates a long chain structure
• What are monomers?

  Simple molecules that build polymers
• What type of monomers link together to create starch?

  Glucose monomers
• What do ethylene monomers form when they join together?

  A continuous chain of repeating units
• How does the addition of each glucose unit affect starch?

  Makes starch a long, complex molecule
• What is the name of the sugar molecule shown in the second image?

  Fructose
• What functional groups are attached to the simplest sugar monomers?

  Multiple hydroxyl groups (-OH)
• What is the chemical structure of a polymer?

  -CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-