Monomers and Polymers (Carbohydrates) Flashcards
(13 cards)
monomer definition
a smaller unit from which larger molecules are made
polymer definition
a molecule made from a large number of monomers
what is a monosaccharide
A monosaccharide is the simplest form of carbohydrate and consists of a single sugar molecule. Monosaccharides are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates like disaccharides and polysaccharides. (a single unit of sugar)
what is a condensation reaction?
Forms a chemical bond between monomers/molecules, releasing a molecule of water (elimination)
examples of monomers
monosaccharides such as: glucose, amino acids and nucleotides.
what is the difference between a condensation reaction and a hydrolysis reaction
Monomers are joined by a chemical bond in a condensation reaction whereby a water molecule is eliminated. Hydrolysis is the opposite of a condensation reactions and is when water is added to break a chemical bond between molecules.
Adenosine triphosphate (ATP):
A molecule that acts as the energy currency of cells formed
from a molecule of ribose, a molecule of adenine and three phosphate groups.
Amino acid:
The monomers containing an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH) and
a variable R group that make up proteins.
Benedict’s test:
A biochemical test used to test for reducing sugars that produces a different
colour based on the amount of reducing sugar present.
Biuret test:
A biochemical test that produces a purple solution in the presence of protein
Cellulose:
A polysaccharide made of beta glucose monomers that is used as a structural
polysaccharide which provides strength to plant cell walls.
Condensation reaction:
A type of reaction that joins two molecules together with the
formation of a chemical bond involving the elimination of a molecule of water.
