Question

1. What is meant by the phrase dehydration reaction (also, does it have another name) and what is it’s function? What is hydrolysis and what is It’s function?

2. Name the 4 groups of macromolecules. What is a polymer and which of the 4 groups are polymers?

3. Briefly describe two particular macromolecules (what are the subunits used to construct it and what are its functions in nature).

Answer 1

1. Dehydration reaction is the reaction which involves loss of molecule of water from the reacting substance to form new substance. During the formation of peptide bond between amino acids or during the combination of monosaccharides to form large carbohydrate a molecule of water is released and this reaction is called as dehydration reaction. This reaction is also called condensation reaction because it involves elimination of molecule of water. Function of these reactions to in the formation of macromolecules like protiens or polysaccharides from macromolecules.

Hydrolysis is the breakdown of large molecule into small molecule by the addition of water. These reactions occur during the breakdown of large molecules such as carbohydrates to form small molecules like monosaccharides.