Monomers and Polymers

These flashcards cover the fundamental concepts of monomers and polymers, including definitions, examples, and the processes involved in their formation and breakdown.

What are monomers?

Monomers are individual units or building blocks that make up larger structures.

What does the prefix 'mono-' mean?

The prefix 'mono-' means one, indicating a single unit.

Give an example of a monomer.

An example of a monomer is a single glucose molecule.

What is a polymer?

A polymer is a larger structure made up of many monomers linked together.

What does the prefix 'poly-' mean?

The prefix 'poly-' means many.

What is a polysaccharide?

A polysaccharide is a polymer made of multiple sugar molecules, such as glucose.

In what compounds do monomers and polymers commonly occur?

They commonly occur in organic compounds that contain carbon.

What analogy is used to explain monomers and polymers?

The analogy of Lego pieces is used to explain monomers as individual pieces and polymers as structures built from those pieces.

What are macromolecules?

Macromolecules are giant molecules formed by linking together many smaller molecules (monomers).

What is polymerization?

Polymerization is the process of linking monomers together to form a polymer.

What is the molecular formula for water?

The molecular formula for water is H₂O, consisting of 2 hydrogen atoms and 1 oxygen atom.

What is the molecular formula for glucose?

The molecular formula for glucose is C₆H₁₂O₆, consisting of 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, and 6 oxygen atoms.

What structural component makes up DNA?

DNA is composed of nucleotides, which consist of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

What shapes are associated with the structure of DNA?

DNA is commonly represented as a double helix.

What are the four nitrogenous bases found in DNA?

The four nitrogenous bases are adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine.

What type of reaction links monomers together?

Monomers are linked together through a dehydration reaction, which removes a water molecule.

What is hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis is the process of breaking down polymers back into their individual monomers by adding water.

How many different amino acids make up proteins?

Proteins are made up of 20 different amino acids.

What is a key factor in determining the type of proteins formed?

The alignment and combination of amino acids determine the type of proteins formed.

What does 'dehydration' refer to in the context of monomers and polymers?

Dehydration refers to the removal of a water molecule to form a covalent bond between monomers.

What is the cycle referred to in relation to elements such as carbon?

The cycle refers to the fact that elements and compounds are constantly recycled in nature.

What happens to carbon when a tree dies?

When a tree dies, carbon is often released as carbon dioxide and can enter the atmosphere.

Why is the phosphorus cycle considered slow?

The phosphorus cycle is slow because rocks hold nutrients for a long time and do not change locations easily.

What is the basic relationship between monomers and polymers?

Monomers are individual units that are linked together to create polymers, which are larger units.

How can polymers be reused?

Polymers can be broken down into monomers through hydrolysis and then reused to form new polymers.