# Explain why amino acids are described as monomers, and explain how the body produces amino acid monomers from the protein in food.

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

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Amino acids are the smaller/basic units from which proteins are built
2. Amino acids join together to form a polymer (protein)
3. Protein in food is broken down / digested
4. Enzymes catalyse the breakdown of protein
5. Water molecules are used / added to break the bonds between amino acids (hydrolysis)

## Key terms

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

## 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)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

---
Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/explain-why-amino-acids-are-described-823ffd53) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.