Final answer:
The low-molecular-weight building blocks of polymers are called monomers, which combine through polymerization, often releasing water in a process known as dehydration synthesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
The low-molecular-weight building blocks of polymers are called monomers. These small molecules combine through a process called polymerization, where they are linked together by covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers. This process often involves a condensation reaction known as dehydration synthesis, where monomers join and release water as a byproduct.
Polymers are essential components in many products such as plastic containers, textiles, and medical devices. They can be formed via addition reactions as well, which are typical in the creation of synthetic polymers based on carbon skeletons from monomers like ethylene.
In nature, biological polymers like proteins, starch, cellulose, and DNA play critical roles in life processes, with amino acids serving as the monomers for proteins and enzymes.