Condensation

Three of the four classes of chemicals that our bodies use are organic compounds called polymers. A polymer is a long molecule made up of repeating units called monomers. Examples of polymers include carbohydrates and proteins.

• What does the prefix mono- mean?
• Why aren't fats or lipids polymers?

When two monomers are connected together by a covalent bond, water is formed.

Consequently, the reaction is called a condensation reaction. This should be easy to remember because condensation refers to liquid water deposition; for example, condensation on the side of a cool glass of iced tea. The water that is formed becomes part of the metabolic pool of water that our body uses for other purposes. The opposite occurs when a polymer is broken down.

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