3.1.1 Monomers and Polymers

• What is a condensation reaction?

  A condensation reaction joins two molecules together with the formation of a chemical bond and involves the elimination of a molecule of water. /Joining 2 monomers together eliminating a water molecule.
• What are biological molecules?

  • Biological molecules are a group of chemicals found in all living things.All contain Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O). - (all organic molecules)4 Types:   - Carbohydrates    - Lipids    - Proteins    - Nucleic Acids
• What is a hydrolysis reaction?

  A hydrolysis reaction breaks a chemical bond between two molecules and involves the use of a water molecules. /Breaking covalent bond between 2 monomers through the addition of water
• Key Functions of Carbohydrates


  Used in respiration and in structure of cell membrane and cell wall.
• Key Function of Lipids

  Used in respiration and in forming the bilayer in cell membranes as well as forming certain hormones 
• Examples of monomers?

  • monosaccharides
  • amino acids 
  • nucleotides
• Key Function of Proteins 


  Used to form enzymes and hormones.
• Definition of Monomers?

  Monomers - smaller units from larger molecules are made.
• Definition of Polymers?


  Polymers - molecules made from a large numbers of monomers joined together.
• Key Function of Nucleic Acids 

  Form DNA and RNA so code for the sequence of amino acids that make up all proteins.
• Monomers vs Polymers

  Monomers: are very small molecules that can be linked together to form larger molecules Polymers: are very large molecules formed when repeating monomers are joined together by covalent bonds in a process called - polymerisation.
• What is glucose converted into to help strengthen cell walls?

  Cellulose
• In what form is glucose stored in animals and plants?

  Animals - glycogen Plants - starch
• What is the main use of glucose in plants and animals?

  Respiration
• How do plants get glucose?

  By photosynthesis 
• How do animals get glucose?

  By breaking down carbohydrates/ starch in food.
• What is the chemical formula for glucose?

  C6H12O6
• Organic Molecule

  Molecules containing carbon that can be found in living things; four classes are carbohydrates, proteins (chain of amino acids), lipids, and nucleic acids.
• Nucleotide

  A compound consisting of an organic base and ribose sugar linked to a phosphate group.Nucleotides form monomers of nucleic acids such as DNA.
• Monosaccharide

  A single sugar e.g. glucose.The monomers of long chain carbohydrate polymers.
• Monomer

  One of many small molecules that combine together to form a polymer.
• Hydrolysis

  The breaking down of large molecules into smaller ones by the addition of water molecules.
• Covalent Bond

  Type of chemical bond in which two atoms share a pair of electrons.
• Condensation Reaction

  Chemical process in which two molecules combine to form a more complex one with the elimination of water.
• Amino acids

  A monomer which makes up proteins.Has a central atom which is bonded to : a carboxylic acid group, an amino group, a hydrogen atom and a R group.