Polymer –> monomers is a hydrolysis reaction.
This is what occurs in digestion before we can absorb the monomers. The monomers are small and soluble so can be transported in the blood around the body.
Enzymes digest these polymers. You find different enzymes in different parts of the gut and these enzymes work best in different pHs.
- Stomach is acidic
- Small intestine is slightly alkaline
Triglycerides are not polymers but still need to be digested into glycerol and 3 fatty acids.
Different enzymes are used for different polymers, but all work best at body temperature – 37degrees.
Year 12 Human Biology 