Condensation and Hydrolysis Reactions

B 1.1.2 Production of macromolecules by condensation reactions that link monomers to form a polymer

Disaccharides

Formed when two monosaccharide monomers join together in a condensation reactions

Forms a strong covalent bond (glycosidic bond) is formed between the monomers, and a molecule of water is released

Depending on the type of monomers linked together, different disaccharides are formed

Sucrose = glucose + frucose

Lactose = galactose + glucose

Maltose = glucose + glucose

 

Condensation reactions

When macromolecules are formed, monomers join together and a molecule of water is released

--> condensation reaction

The process of making polymers is anabolic (build up) and ATP is needed to complete it

Water is made by removing an -OH (hydroxyl group) from one of the molecules and a hydrogen from the other

 

B 1.1.3 Digestion of polymers into monomers by hydrolysis

Hydrolysis: large molecules are broken down into smaller molecules

It is a catabolic reaction (break down)

An enzyme (e.g. sucrase) and one molecule of water are used to hydrolise (break) the glycosidic bond to release two monomers

Polymers are deconstructed so the monomers in them can be reused to build new polymers or used as a source of energy

Condensation

Hydrolysis

  • Water released

  • Anabolic

  • Energy required

  • Bonds are formed

  • Endothermic

  • Longer molecules formed

  • Water added

  • Catabolic

  • Energy released

  • Bonds are broken

  • Exothermic

  • Shorter molecules formed

  • Both reactions involve water

  • Both reactions require enzymes

  • Both are examples of metabolic processes

 

Polymers are digested in the digestive tract and also by decomposes

Decomposes release digestive enzymes into the environment around them to break down polymers

The products of hydrolysis can then be absorbed and used as monomers