Final answer:
Monomers are small molecules that combine through dehydration synthesis to form polymers, while polymers can be dismantled into monomers via hydrolysis. These processes are fundamental in forming biological macromolecules like proteins, carbohydrates, DNA, and RNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Monomers are small molecules that can join together to form larger molecules known as polymers. This process typically involves a chemical reaction known as dehydration synthesis, where monomers bind together by losing water molecules. During this reaction, one monomer releases a hydrogen atom while another releases a hydroxyl group, resulting in the formation of water. Conversely, polymers can be broken down into monomers through a process known as hydrolysis, which adds water to break the covalent bonds holding the monomers together.
Examples of biological polymers include proteins, which are made from amino acid monomers, and carbohydrates such as starch and cellulose, which are made from sugar monomers. The process of forming polymers from monomers is crucial in the creation of various natural and synthetic materials, including the DNA and RNA that carry genetic information in cells.