Question

Polymerization and the break down of a polymer are two opposite reactions. What role does a water molecule play in both of them?

Answer 1

Explained by InYourHead
First, let's talk about two things: MONOMERS, and POLYMERS.

MONOMERS are like little building blocks.
When we take monomers, and stick them together with each other, we get POLYMERS.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Again, MONOMERS are the BUILDING BLOCKS.
We stick them together, in order to make POLYMERS.

Okay.

So, remember how we can stick monomers together, in order to make polymers?
We do this by taking away water, from the monomers.

This is called DEHYDRATION SYNTHESIS.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, now we have a polymer.

What should be do, if we want to break the polymer, and turn it back into monomers?

Answer: We add water!

This is called HYDROLYSIS.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So, let's review.

We TAKE AWAY WATER, in order to CREATE polymers.
This is called DEHYDRATION SYNTHESIS.

We ADD WATER, in order to BREAK polymers.
This is called HYDROLYSIS.

http://openstudy.com/study#/updates/51a235e1e4b0e9c70c337679