# Cellulose and glycogen are both polymers found in living organisms. Explain what is meant by a polymer, name the monomer used to build both cellulose and glycogen, and explain how monomers are joined together to form a polymer.

> AQA A-Level Biology (7402) — 3.1.1 Monomers and Polymers · Explain · 5 marks

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A polymer is a large molecule made from many smaller units (monomers) joined together
2. The monomer for both cellulose and glycogen is glucose
3. Monomers are joined together by chemical reactions
4. Water is released / removed when monomers are joined (condensation)
5. This forms a long chain / many monomers can be added to form a polymer of any length

## Key terms

- [monomer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/monomer)
- [polymer](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/polymer)

## Related

- [Revision notes for AQA A-Level Biology (7402)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/cellulose-and-glycogen-are-both-polymers-42999ebd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.