Polymers & Monomers
POLYMERS
A polymer is a large molecule formed from repeating smaller sub-unit molecules called monomers.
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Examples: DNA, proteins, lipids (fats), starch (carbohydrate), etc.
MONOMER
Monomers are small molecules or sub-unit molecules that make up larger molecules.
Examples: Amino Acids, Glucose, etc.
Dehydration Synthesis & Hydrolysis
DEHYDRATION SYNTHESIS
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​​Forms LARGE MOLECULES, called polymers, from their monomers (building blocks)
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OH- and H+ are dehydrated and broken apart from the monomers and these ions then combine and form water
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Water is lost from the reaction and monomers link together and form polymers
HYDROLYSIS
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Water is REQUIRED in this reaction and it is used to break apart two monomers
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Water disrupts the bonds the link two monomers together and since the water molecule has stronger bonds it is able to break apart into H+ and OH- ions which then bind to each of the monomers
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This breaks a polymer into its monomers
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Hydrolytic enzymes speed up the rate of this reaction and allow water to break apart more rapidly.
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Synthesis reactions are seem occurring in the digestive system as large food particles are broken down into small sub-units like amino acids, sugars, fats, etc. ​​
The Building Blocks Of Life
