Final answer:
Monomers are small, simple molecules that can join together to form polymers, large molecules made up of repeating monomer units. Polymers are formed through dehydration synthesis, in which water is a byproduct, and are broken down by hydrolysis. Examples include proteins, starch, and DNA.
Step-by-step explanation:
Monomers and Polymers
Monomers are the basic building blocks of larger molecules. They are small, simple compounds that can join together to form polymers, which are large, complex molecules made up of repeating monomer units. The process of forming polymers from monomers is known as polymerization.
Dehydration synthesis is a common method through which monomers combine to form polymers. During this reaction, each monomer contributes different atoms that together release a molecule of water as a byproduct. On the other hand, polymers can be broken back down into monomers through the process of hydrolysis, which involves the addition of water, breaking the bonds between monomer units. Examples of important biological polymers include proteins, starch, cellulose, DNA, and RNA.
Example of Polymerization
Consider the simple sugar glucose as a monomer. When many glucose molecules undergo dehydration synthesis, they can form starch, which is a polymer consisting of a long chain of glucose units.