Which term describes the combination of multiple monomers forming a larger structure?

Which term describes the combination of multiple monomers forming a larger structure?

• A. Polymerization
• B. Synthesis
• C. Hydrolysis
• D. Decomposition

Answer: (A)

The term that describes the combination of multiple monomers to form a larger structure is polymerization. This process involves the chemical bonding of monomer units to create a polymer, which is a larger, more complex molecule. Polymerization can occur through various mechanisms, such as addition reactions or condensation reactions, depending on the nature of the monomers involved and the conditions of the reaction. In biological contexts, polymerization is essential for forming macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, which are critical for cellular structures and functions. Each of these biomolecules is built from repeating units (monomers) — amino acids for proteins, nucleotides for nucleic acids, and monosaccharides for polysaccharides — illustrating the importance of polymerization in biological systems. The other terms do not accurately describe this process. Synthesis typically refers to creating a compound from simpler substances, hydrolysis involves breaking chemical bonds through the addition of water, and decomposition refers to the breakdown of larger compounds into smaller components. Thus, polymerization is the most precise term for the process of monomers joining to form polymers.

The term that describes the combination of multiple monomers to form a larger structure is polymerization. This process involves the chemical bonding of monomer units to create a polymer, which is a larger, more complex molecule. Polymerization can occur through various mechanisms, such as addition reactions or condensation reactions, depending on the nature of the monomers involved and the conditions of the reaction.

In biological contexts, polymerization is essential for forming macromolecules such as proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides, which are critical for cellular structures and functions. Each of these biomolecules is built from repeating units (monomers) — amino acids for proteins, nucleotides for nucleic acids, and monosaccharides for polysaccharides — illustrating the importance of polymerization in biological systems.

The other terms do not accurately describe this process. Synthesis typically refers to creating a compound from simpler substances, hydrolysis involves breaking chemical bonds through the addition of water, and decomposition refers to the breakdown of larger compounds into smaller components. Thus, polymerization is the most precise term for the process of monomers joining to form polymers.