# Describe what is meant by a monomer and a polymer, and describe how polymers can be broken down in living organisms.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. A monomer is a small molecule that is a repeating unit / building block
2. A polymer is a large molecule made up of many monomers joined together
3. Polymers are broken down by hydrolysis
4. Water molecules are used / added to break the bonds between monomers
5. Hydrolysis releases / produces monomers from the polymer

## 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 "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-what-is-meant-by-a-de9a34c0) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.