Loading…
Loading…
GCSE Biology · key term
A simple carbohydrate molecule that can act as a building block for larger carbohydrates; glucose is an example.
Used by OCR
Specification B1.3d · Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher)
Revise: Role of sugarsCarbohydrates range from small sugar molecules to very large molecules. A monomer is a small molecular unit that can be joined to other similar units. Glucose is an important sugar monomer.
Use the direction of the process: synthesis joins small sugar units to make a larger carbohydrate, whereas breakdown separates a carbohydrate into smaller sugars.
Do not call every carbohydrate a polymer. A single sugar molecule is a monomer; polysaccharides such as starch, glycogen and cellulose are polymers.
When asked why breakdown is important, follow the products: small sugars can be absorbed or used by cells, and glucose can act as a fuel for respiration.
Create a free account to read GCSE Biology revision notes for your exam board and track your progress.