AP Biology Flashcards: Introduction to Macromolecules
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Compare the two chemical reactions responsible for the metabolism of macromolecules.
Dehydration synthesis builds macromolecules by removing water to form bonds, while hydrolysis breaks them down by adding water to cleave bonds.
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Compare the two chemical reactions responsible for the metabolism of macromolecules.
Dehydration synthesis builds macromolecules by removing water to form bonds, while hydrolysis breaks them down by adding water to cleave bonds.
What is the role of covalent bonds in hydrolysis?
In hydrolysis, existing covalent bonds within a molecule are cleaved (broken) by the addition of water.
Which chemical reaction is responsible for breaking down macromolecules?
Hydrolysis is the reaction responsible for breaking down macromolecules by adding a water molecule to cleave covalent bonds.
A student observes a reaction where many small molecules are linking together and water is being produced as a byproduct. What is this reaction called?
This reaction is called dehydration synthesis, as it joins smaller molecules into polymers by removing a water molecule.
To break a large polymer into its smaller subunits, what must be added to the reaction?
A water molecule must be added to the reaction to break the covalent bonds, a process called hydrolysis.
When a polymer is formed from smaller molecules, is water added or removed?
Water is removed during this process, which is known as dehydration synthesis.
Which chemical reaction is responsible for building macromolecules?
Dehydration synthesis is the reaction responsible for building macromolecules by removing a water molecule to form covalent bonds.
Define dehydration synthesis.
Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction that joins smaller molecules into polymers by forming covalent bonds and removing a water molecule.
Define hydrolysis.
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that breaks down molecules by cleaving covalent bonds with the addition of water.
What is the role of covalent bonds in dehydration synthesis?
In dehydration synthesis, covalent bonds are formed between smaller molecules to join them into a larger polymer.