Question

In a brief paragraph, please explain what are the different types of polymerization reactions and give specific examples of polymers (products) of those reactions. Please do not copy and paste from a google search! Thank you :)

Answer 1

Ans. The major polymerization processes in cell are-

I. Formation of monosaccharides in polysaccharides: Several monosaccharides link with each other through glycosidic bond to from polysaccharides. A water molecule is released for every glycosidic bond formed. So, the polymerization process is also a condensation reaction. For example, numerous glucose molecules polymerize to form starch and cellulose.

II. Polymerization of amino acids into proteins: The amino acids link through peptide bond to form polypeptide or protein. It is also a condensation reaction.

III. Polymerization of nucleotides into nucleic acids: Nucleotides successively link through phosphodiester bond to form nucleic acids (DAN/ RNA). It is also a condensation reaction.

IV: Formation of triacylglyceides: Though not a polymerization event in strict sense, formation of triacylglycerides is also considered a polymerization process in cells. During the process, one, two or three molecules of fatty acids are esterified to a glycerol moiety to from mono-, di- and tri-acylglyceride, respectively.