The monomers of organic compounds join together by a chemical reaction know as dehydration synthesis to make polymers. The reverse reaction of breaking up polymers is accomplished by another chemical reaction known as hydrolysis. The following animation's illustrate these reactions

---

Generalized Reaction of Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis

---

Carbohydrate Metabolism

Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis are Reversible

Glucose + Fructose Sucrose + H₂O

---

Protein Metabolism

---

Home Page