Biological Macromolecules: General – Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis

Vocabulary flashcards covering dehydration synthesis, hydrolysis, and basic monomer/polymer concepts from the notes.

Dehydration synthesis (condensation)

A reaction where monomers join to form a polymer with the release of a water molecule; one subunit loses an H and the other loses an OH, forming a new covalent bond.

Hydrolysis

A reaction that breaks polymers into monomers using water; an H is added to one subunit and an OH to another, breaking covalent bonds.

Monomer

The smallest repeating unit that can join to form larger biomolecules (polymers).

Dimer

A molecule composed of two monomer units linked together, typically by a covalent bond formed during dehydration synthesis.

Covalent bond (between monomers)

A strong bond formed when monomers join during dehydration synthesis, creating a polymer and releasing water.