condensation reaction
What condensation reaction means in Biology A-Level, as defined for AQA.
Definitions of condensation reaction
Exam boards and our study guides word this term in slightly different ways. Learn the version your board uses.
Check what you remember
Read the wording for your board, then hide it and explain condensation reaction in your own words. Rough notes are fine. This is a self-check, with no mark or grade.
Reference: AQA
A reaction in which a hydroxyl group leaves the carboxyl group and a hydrogen atom leaves the amine group, so one molecule of water is eliminated.
Between two nucleotides it forms a phosphodiester bond.
Topics that use condensation reaction
- General properties of proteins (AQA A-Level)
- Structure of DNA and RNA (AQA A-Level)
Related terms
- hydrogen bonds
- active sites and binding sites
- amino acids
- base sequence
- carboxyl and amine groups
- condensation arithmetic
- denaturation
- disulfide bridges
Using condensation reaction in the exam
Check the command word and mark scheme for your exact question. After comparing your explanation with the reference, use the term in an answer on the linked topic. This practice does not predict an exam mark.
Practise Biology questions
Create a free account to answer exam-style questions on this topic and get feedback on your answers.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge