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AQA A Level Biology Monomers and Polymers.

Specification reference 3.1.1

Monomer - a small, single molecule, many of which can be joined together to form a polymer.

Polymer - a large molecule made up of many similar / identical monomers joined together.

Types of chemical reactions

Condensation Reaction

  • Joins 2 molecules together.
  • Eliminates a water molecule.
  • Forms a chemical bond.

Hydrolysis Reaction

  • Separates 2 molecules.
  • Requires addition of a water molecule.
  • Breaks a chemical bond.

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Examples of monomers and polymers

A nucleotide is a monomer from which polymers called polynucleotides are made.

A monosaccharide is a monomer from which polymers called polysaccharides are made.

An amino acid is a monomer from which polymers called polypeptides are made.