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Polymers (A-level Biology)

Polymers

Formation of Polymers

A condensation reaction involves release of water. A condensation reaction is the process by which monomers join together to produce polymers. In the process, there is removal of water (H2O), which enables formation of a covalent bond to link two monomers together.
A condensation reaction is a synthesis reaction. Synthesis reactions are specific chemical processes by which organic compounds (including biochemical compounds) are made.

A-level Biology - Biological Molecules — A-level Biology – Biological Molecules

Breakdown of Polymers

Polymers put together by a condensation reaction can be broken down by hydrolysis.
Hydrolysis involves addition of a water molecule. The addition of a water molecule breaks the covalent bond between two monomers (hydro = water, lysis = break down).
Condensation and hydrolysis are opposite reactions.

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Polymers (A-level Biology)

Polymers

Formation of Polymers

Breakdown of Polymers

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Polymers (A-level Biology)

Polymers

Formation of Polymers

Breakdown of Polymers

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AQA 3.1 Biological Molecules

AQA 3.2 Cells

AQA 3.3 Organisms Exchange Substances with their Environment

AQA 3.4 Genetic information, variation and relationships between organisms

AQA 3.5 Energy transfers in and between organisms

AQA 3.6 Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments

AQA 3.7 Genetics, populations, evolution and ecosystems

AQA 3.8 The control of gene expression

CIE 1 Cell structure

CIE 10 Infectious disease

CIE 11 Immunity

CIE 12 Energy and respiration

CIE 13 Photosynthesis

CIE 14 Homeostasis

CIE 15 Control and co-ordination

CIE 16 Inherited change

CIE 17 Selection and evolution

CIE 18 Biodiversity, classification and conservation

CIE 19 Genetic technology

CIE 2 Biological molecules