Condensation & Hydrolysis Reactions
Biology: AQA A Level, topic 1.1.2
Condensation Reactions
Condensation is the formation of larger, biological molecules (polymers) from smaller molecules (monomers). The byproduct of condensation reactions is water.
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.
Condensation
- Condensation is the reaction that forms large, biological molecules.
- The reaction releases water and bonds the smaller components together into larger molecules.
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.
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.
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.
Products of hydrolysis
- Hydrolysis of protein produces amino acids.
- Hydrolysis of carbohydrate produces disaccharides and monosaccharides.
- Disaccharides are two monosaccharides joined together.
- Hydrolysis of lipids produces fatty acids and monoglycerides.
Test yourself on Condensation & Hydrolysis Reactions
What is the product of the condensation of two monosaccharides?
Which of the following statements about condensation reactions are true?
Which of these are NOT a product of hydrolysis of carbohydrates?
Which of the following statements about hydrolysis are true?