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.