Chapter 2 - Section 2.4 - Study Guide - Assess Your Learning Outcomes - Page 74: 4

**Monomers and Polymers:** - **Monomers** are small, simple molecules that can link together to form larger, more complex molecules called **polymers**. Monomers are the building blocks of polymers. For example, in the context of biological macromolecules: - Monomers for proteins are amino acids. - Monomers for nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are nucleotides. - Monomers for carbohydrates (such as starch or cellulose) are simple sugars like glucose. - Monomers for lipids do not typically form polymers, as lipids are generally made up of fatty acids and glycerol, but they are considered hydrophobic molecules. **Dehydration Synthesis (Condensation) Reaction:** - Dehydration synthesis (or condensation) is a chemical reaction that links two monomers together to form a polymer while eliminating a molecule of water. - In this reaction, an -OH (hydroxyl) group is removed from one monomer, and an -H (hydrogen) group is removed from another monomer. These released atoms combine to form water (H2O), hence the name "dehydration synthesis." **Hydrolysis Reaction:** - Hydrolysis is the reverse process of dehydration synthesis. It breaks down a polymer into its constituent monomers by adding a water molecule. - In a hydrolysis reaction, a water molecule is split into an -OH group and an -H group. The -OH group attaches to one monomer, while the -H group attaches to the other monomer, effectively breaking the covalent bond that held them together in the polymer. **Role of Water:** - **Dehydration Synthesis:** Water is released as a byproduct during the formation of a polymer from monomers. The removal of water allows the monomers to join together by forming covalent bonds between them. - **Hydrolysis:** Water plays a crucial role in breaking down polymers into monomers. It provides the -OH and -H groups needed to cleave the covalent bonds between the monomers. - Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent" because of its ability to participate in both dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions. Its polar nature allows it to interact with the hydrophilic (water-attracting) functional groups in monomers and polymers. In summary, monomers are individual building blocks, while polymers are larger molecules made up of multiple monomers linked together. Dehydration synthesis removes water to form polymers from monomers, while hydrolysis adds water to break polymers down into monomers. Water is essential in both processes as it provides the necessary chemical environment for these reactions to occur.

**Monomers and Polymers:** - **Monomers** are small, simple molecules that can link together to form larger, more complex molecules called **polymers**. Monomers are the building blocks of polymers. For example, in the context of biological macromolecules: - Monomers for proteins are amino acids. - Monomers for nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are nucleotides. - Monomers for carbohydrates (such as starch or cellulose) are simple sugars like glucose. - Monomers for lipids do not typically form polymers, as lipids are generally made up of fatty acids and glycerol, but they are considered hydrophobic molecules. **Dehydration Synthesis (Condensation) Reaction:** - Dehydration synthesis (or condensation) is a chemical reaction that links two monomers together to form a polymer while eliminating a molecule of water. - In this reaction, an -OH (hydroxyl) group is removed from one monomer, and an -H (hydrogen) group is removed from another monomer. These released atoms combine to form water (H2O), hence the name "dehydration synthesis." **Hydrolysis Reaction:** - Hydrolysis is the reverse process of dehydration synthesis. It breaks down a polymer into its constituent monomers by adding a water molecule. - In a hydrolysis reaction, a water molecule is split into an -OH group and an -H group. The -OH group attaches to one monomer, while the -H group attaches to the other monomer, effectively breaking the covalent bond that held them together in the polymer. **Role of Water:** - **Dehydration Synthesis:** Water is released as a byproduct during the formation of a polymer from monomers. The removal of water allows the monomers to join together by forming covalent bonds between them. - **Hydrolysis:** Water plays a crucial role in breaking down polymers into monomers. It provides the -OH and -H groups needed to cleave the covalent bonds between the monomers. - Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent" because of its ability to participate in both dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions. Its polar nature allows it to interact with the hydrophilic (water-attracting) functional groups in monomers and polymers. In summary, monomers are individual building blocks, while polymers are larger molecules made up of multiple monomers linked together. Dehydration synthesis removes water to form polymers from monomers, while hydrolysis adds water to break polymers down into monomers. Water is essential in both processes as it provides the necessary chemical environment for these reactions to occur.