Question
Dehydration Synthesis: Building Macromolecules
Many large carbon molecules are built from smaller repeating units, called monomers. These
monomers are joined together through dehydration synthesis. In this activity, you will simulate
this chemical reaction by removing and rejoining atoms from two monomers. At the end you will
have built a macromolecule of two monomers and a water molecule.
Directions:
1. Cut out each of the carbon monomers along the solid lines.
2. On the back of this paper, glue two monomers down, like in a chemical equation as shown
below.
nit along the dotted lines Fit the two monomers
Answer
Cut out the monomers, glue them together on the back of the paper, and fit them together along the dotted lines to form a macromolecule with a water molecule.