1.1 Monomers And Polymers

Question 1

What are monomers and polymers?

Answer 1

• monomers = smaller, repeating molecules / units from which larger molecules / polymers are made
• polymers = molecules made from many ( a large number ) identical / similar monomer molecules

Question 2

What happens in condensation and hydrolysis reactions?

Answer 2

Condensation:
- 2 molecules join together
- forming a chemical bond
- releasing a water molecule
Hydrolysis:
- 2 molecules separated
- breaking a chemical bond
- using a water molecule

Question 3

Give examples of polymers and the monomers from which they’re made

Answer 3

Nucleotide -> polynucleotide
Monosaccharide -> polysaccharide
Amino acid -> polypeptide