Question

Ow many molecules of water are released during the polymerization of a 20 monomer-long cellulose molecule?

Answer 1

The correct answer will be- 19 H₂O molecules.

Step-by-step explanation:

The formation or synthesis of large macromolecules from monomers is a dehydration reaction. During synthesis one -OH from one monomer while one-H from another monomer is released during bond formation. These two ions bind together and form H₂O molecules.

So a bond formation between two monomers releases one H₂O molecule. If the chain has 20 monomers it will have 19 bonds and thus 19 molecules of H₂O will be released.

Thus, 19 H₂O molecules are the correct answer.

Answer 2

It releases ONE H2O to join TWO monomers.
So, when third monomer joins, 2nd H2O will release.
When 4th monomer join, 3rd H2O will release.
...
....
.... and so on.
When the 20th monomer join, 19th H2O will release.

Means in total of 19 water molecule releases