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Page Facing Up

Theme B - Form & Function

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Direct Hit

Theme A - Unity & diversity

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Pill

Theme C - Interaction &  Interdependence

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Keycap Digit One

Theme D - Continuity & Change

Did you ever wonder how our body uses the big complicated molecules in our food? It&#39;s like trying to use Lego bricks from a massive castle to build a new spaceship! Here&#39;s the trick: break down the castle first! That&#39;s what hydrolysis does. Let&#39;s dive in.

Polymers: These are like the huge Lego structures you build - they&#39;re made of smaller pieces (monomers) joined together. Examples include

<ul>
	<li>Polysaccharides (think: carbs)</li>
	<li>Polypeptides (proteins, yum!)</li>
	<li>Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA&#39;s bigger picture)</li>
</ul>

Hydrolysis reactions: These are nature&#39;s way of deconstructing the big structures into usable bits. Imagine pouring water on a sugar cube and watching it dissolve. That&#39;s kinda how hydrolysis works, but on a molecular level. Hydrolysis takes:

<ul>
	<li>Polysaccharides ➡️ Monosaccharides (like glucose)</li>
	<li>Polypeptides ➡️ Amino acids (building blocks of proteins)</li>
	<li>Nucleic acids ➡️ Nucleotides (steps in the DNA ladder)</li>
</ul>

Think of a loaf of bread (made of polysaccharides). When you eat it, hydrolysis turns it into simpler sugars your body can use. It&#39;s like turning a whole cake into tiny bite-sized pieces!

<ul>
	<li>Inside the Cell: Every tiny cell can break down these big molecules. It&#39;s like each cell has its own mini kitchen!</li>
	<li>Outside the Cell in Animal&#39;s Gut: Imagine your stomach as a mixing bowl, adding ingredients (enzymes) to break food down.</li>
	<li>Decomposers: Ever seen mushrooms on a rotting log? They&#39;re nature&#39;s recyclers, releasing enzymes to break down dead stuff into useful bits. Like turning an old wooden chair into wood shavings for a hamster cage!</li>
</ul>

Our body (and nature) is smart! Instead of wasting big molecules, it breaks them down so they can be reused, like taking apart a Lego castle to build something new. Whether it&#39;s to get energy or to build new stuff, hydrolysis ensures we use everything to its max potential.

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Happy studying and always remember: Nature is the best recycler! 🌱🔄🍔

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Polymers Insightful Hydrolysis Digestion

Table of content

Introduction 🎨

What's on the menu? 🍔

The art of breaking down 🔨

Unlock the Full Content!

Theme B - Form & Function

Unlocking Polymers Insightful Hydrolysis Digestion

Table of content

Introduction 🎨

What's on the menu? 🍔

The art of breaking down 🔨

Unlock the Full Content!