2.2.1

Monomers & Polymers

Test yourself

Monomers and Polymers

There is a huge variety of species on earth. Despite this incredible diversity, all living organisms are made up of similar biological molecules called monomers.

Illustrative background for MonomersIllustrative background for Monomers ?? "content

Monomers

  • Monomers are the single subunits, or building blocks, of life.
    • E.g. Amino acids, nucleotides and monosaccharides.
Illustrative background for PolymersIllustrative background for Polymers ?? "content

Polymers

  • Polymers are formed by combining monomers using covalent bonds.
  • Polymers are complex molecules.
    • E.g. Protein, DNA, starch.

Condensation Reactions

Condensation is the formation of larger, biological molecules (polymers) from smaller molecules (monomers). The byproduct of condensation reactions is water.

Illustrative background for FormationIllustrative background for Formation ?? "content

Formation

  • Smaller, biological molecules (e.g. sugars) in an organism's cells can form larger, molecules (e.g. carbohydrates) that can be used around the body.
  • These biological molecules are important to allow the organism to survive.
Illustrative background for CondensationIllustrative background for Condensation ?? "content

Condensation

  • Condensation is the reaction that forms large, biological molecules.
  • The reaction releases water and bonds the smaller components together into larger molecules.
Illustrative background for Products of condensationIllustrative background for Products of condensation ?? "content

Products of condensation

  • Condensation of amino acids produces proteins.
  • Condensation of two monosaccharides produces disaccharides.
    • Many disaccharides form polysaccharides.
  • Condensation of fatty acids and monoglycerides produces lipids.

Hydrolysis Reactions

Hydrolysis is the break down of large, biological molecules into smaller molecules. The smaller molecules can then be taken up by the cells and used for a number of functions.

Illustrative background for Break downIllustrative background for Break down ?? "content

Break down

  • When an organism eats, it ingests large, biological molecules (e.g. carbohydrates).
  • These biological molecules are important to allow the organism to survive.
    • The molecules could be used in the cells for important reactions (e.g respiration) but they are too large to be transported into the cells.
  • The large molecules must first be broken down.
Illustrative background for HydrolysisIllustrative background for Hydrolysis ?? "content

Hydrolysis

  • Hydrolysis is the reaction that breaks down large, biological molecules.
  • The reaction requires water and splits larger molecules into their smaller components.
  • These smaller molecules (e.g. glucose) can easily diffuse into cells or be transported using protein channels.
Illustrative background for Products of hydrolysisIllustrative background for Products of hydrolysis ?? "content

Products of hydrolysis

  • Hydrolysis of protein produces amino acids.
  • Hydrolysis of carbohydrate produces disaccharides and monosaccharides.
    • Disaccharides are two monosaccharides joined together.
  • Hydrolysation of lipids produces fatty acids and monoglycerides.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Structure

2Biological Molecules

3Enzymes

4Cell Membranes & Transport

5The Mitotic Cell Cycle

6Nucleic Acids & Protein Synthesis

7Transport in Plants

8Transport in Mammals

9Gas Exchange

10Infectious Diseases

11Immunity

12Energy & Respiration (A2 Only)

13Photosynthesis (A2 Only)

14Homeostasis (A2 Only)

15Control & Coordination (A2 Only)

16Inherited Change (A2 Only)

17Selection & Evolution (A2 Only)

18Classification & Conservation (A2 Only)

19Genetic Technology (A2 Only)

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium