1.1.2 Monomers, Polymers and Reactions

Monomers link through a condensation reaction, where two molecules combine and a molecule of water is released. An example of this is the formation of maltose from two glucose molecules. The reverse of this process is hydrolysis, which involves the addition of water to break the bond between two molecules. An example of hydrolysis is the breakdown of starch into glucose during digestion.

Reactions

Condensation Reactions and Hydrolysis Reactions are key processes in biological molecules.

• In a condensation reaction, two molecules join together to form a larger molecule, with the elimination of a water molecule. For example, the formation of a disaccharide from two monosaccharides occurs through condensation, creating a glycosidic bond.
• Hydrolysis reactions involve the addition of water to break the bond between two molecules. For instance, breaking down polysaccharides like starch into glucose monomers during digestion involves hydrolysis.