Learn: Monomers, Polymers, Condensation and Hydrolysis

Welcome!Today we'll learn about Monomers, Polymers, Condensation and Hydrolysis. This is a key topic in A-level Biology that helps us understand the structure and function of biological molecules.

What are Monomers and Polymers?Monomers are small, basic molecules that can bind together to form larger molecules. Polymers are long chains made by joining many monomers through chemical reactions. For example, glucose (a monomer) can be joined to form cellulose or starch (polymers).

Condensation ReactionsA condensation reaction occurs when two monomers join to form a polymer, releasing a molecule of water. This process forms covalent bonds between monomers, such as peptide bonds in proteins or glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates.

Hydrolysis ReactionsA hydrolysis reaction is the reverse of condensation. It breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water. For example, starch can be broken down into glucose molecules during digestion.

Examples of Condensation and HydrolysisCondensation reactions are important for building large molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids. Similarly, hydrolysis reactions are crucial in digestion, where large food molecules are broken down into smaller, absorbable ones.

Review Time!Great work! You've learned about monomers, polymers, condensation, and hydrolysis. Now, let's test your understanding with a few more questions.