Monomers, Dimers and Polymers

Monomers

The smaller units from which larger molecules are made.

Polymers

Molecules made from a large number of monomers joined together

Give 3 examples of monosaccharides

• Glucose

• Fructose

• Galactose

Give 3 examples of disaccharides

• Sucrose

• Maltose

• Lactose

Give 3 examples of polysaccharides

• Starch

• Cellulose

• Glycogen

glucose + glucose →

maltose + water

glucose + galactose →

lactose + water

glucose + fructose →

sucrose + water

Condensation reaction

Joins 2 molecules together by the elimination of a water molecule

Hydrolysis reaction

Breaks the chemical bond between 2 molecules through the addition of a water molecule

Name 4 reducing sugars

• Galactose

• Glucose

• Fructose

• Maltose

Name a non-reducing sugar

Sucrose

What is the test for reducing sugars?

1. Add excess benedict’s reagent to a test tube with sample

2. Heat test tube in water bath for a few minutes

3. If reducing sugar is present there will be a colour change from blue to a colour that is somewhere between: green, yellow, orange or brick red (depending on concentration of reducing sugar)