Reactions of alkenes and alcohols (chemistry only) key terms

glycine

An amino acid that polymerises to form polypeptides.

polypeptide

A chain of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, formed through the polymerisation of amino acids.

amino acid

A small organic molecule containing both an amine group (–NH₂) and a carboxyl group (–COOH) attached to the same central carbon atom.

protein

A large, complex polymer made from a sequence of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, forming a chain that folds into a specific three‑dimensional structure.

DNA

A large molecule that encodes genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms and viruses.

double helix

The structure formed by two polymer chains of DNA, made from nucleotides, twisted around each other.

DNA

A large molecule that encodes genetic instructions for the development and functioning of living organisms and viruses.

genetic instructions

The information carried by DNA that guides the development and functioning of living organisms and viruses.

nucleotide

A monomer that is a building block of DNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.

double helix

The structure formed by two strands of DNA twisted around each other, held together by hydrogen bonds between complementary bases.

naturally occurring polymers

Polymers that are produced by living organisms, such as proteins, starch, and cellulose.

cellulose

A polysaccharide that is a major component of plant cell walls and is important for structural support.

monomer

A small molecule that can join together with other monomers to form a polymer.

polymer

A large molecule made up of repeating units of monomers, formed through polymerisation.