Question

What kind of reaction breaks down polymers into monomers?

Answer 1

Hydrolysis

Explanation:

Hydrolysis adds a water molecule into the middle of a polymer chain. The water splits into an OH- and H+ group and they bond with either end of the now-split polymer, which will continue to occur rapidly until the polymer is broken down into monomers.

The opposite of this is dehydration synthesis, when the H+ and OH- groups bond and form a water molecule, leaving the ends of the monomers to bond on their own and create a polymer.