Monomers and Polymers Flashcards

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Note: We may include questions that have multiple correct answers. It's useful to remember specific examples to understand these concepts better.

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What is a monomer?

A monomer is a small, simple molecule that can join to other similar molecules.

What is a polymer?

A polymer is a large molecule made when many monomers join together in a chain.

How are monomers and polymers linked to respiration?

In digestion, polymers like starch are broken into monomers like glucose, which are then used in respiration to release energy.

Which monomer makes up starch and glycogen?

Starch and glycogen are polymers made from many glucose monomers joined together.

Why do plant and animal cells store glucose as polymers like starch or glycogen?

Starch and glycogen are large, insoluble polymers, so they can be stored without affecting water balance and can be broken back into glucose when needed.

What are proteins made from?

Proteins are polymers made from long chains of amino acid monomers.

What happens to polymers during digestion?

Enzymes in the digestive system break polymers into monomers, which are small enough to be absorbed into the blood.

Why is it useful that polymers are broken down into monomers in the body?

Monomers are small and soluble, so they can move in the blood and enter cells, where they can be used in respiration and for growth.

Are lipids (fats and oils) polymers?

No. Lipids are large molecules, but they are not made from many repeating monomers in a long chain.

Why is it helpful that many different polymers are made from a small number of monomers?

It means the body can break food polymers into monomers and then reuse the same monomers to build many different polymers needed by cells.