Question

1. define the following terms:

a. monomer
b. polymer
c. dehydration synthesis
d. hydrolysis

Explanation:

• a. monomer: A monomer is a small molecule that can bond with other identical or different monomers to form a polymer. For example, glucose is a monomer that can form polymers like starch or cellulose.
• b. polymer: A polymer is a large molecule composed of many repeating subunits (monomers). Polymers can be natural (e.g., DNA, proteins) or synthetic (e.g., polyethylene, nylon).
• c. dehydration synthesis: Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction in which two molecules are joined together, and a water molecule is removed. This reaction is commonly used in the formation of polymers from monomers. For example, when two amino acids form a peptide bond, a water molecule is released.
• d. hydrolysis: Hydrolysis is the opposite of dehydration synthesis. It is a chemical reaction in which a polymer is broken down into its monomer subunits by the addition of water. For example, when starch is hydrolyzed, it breaks down into glucose monomers.

Answer:

a. A monomer is a small molecule that can bond with other identical or different monomers to form a polymer.
b. A polymer is a large molecule composed of many repeating subunits (monomers).
c. Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction in which two molecules are joined together, and a water molecule is removed.
d. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a polymer is broken down into its monomer subunits by the addition of water.