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Hydrolysis & Dehydration Synthesis

Sep 17, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains how biological polymers are formed and broken down, focusing on dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions.

Biological Molecules: Monomers and Polymers

  • Many biological molecules are made from repeating subunits called monomers.
  • Monomers join to form larger molecules called polymers.
  • Amino acids are monomers that form protein polymers.
  • Glucose monomers join to form carbohydrate polymers.

Formation and Breakdown of Polymers

  • Biological polymers are formed by dehydration synthesis reactions.
  • In dehydration synthesis, a hydrogen (H) is removed from one monomer and a hydroxyl (OH) from another.
  • The removed H and OH combine to form water, which is released during the process.
  • The two monomers are joined by a new bond after water is released.
  • Hydrolysis is the opposite process of dehydration synthesis.
  • During hydrolysis, water is added to break a polymer into its monomer units.
  • The hydroxyl (OH) from water attaches to one monomer, while the hydrogen (H) attaches to the other.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • Monomer — a small subunit that serves as a building block for polymers.
  • Polymer — a large molecule made of repeating monomer units.
  • Dehydration Synthesis — a reaction that joins monomers into a polymer by releasing water.
  • Hydrolysis — a reaction that splits a polymer into monomers by adding water.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review examples of dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis in proteins and carbohydrates.