Complete the following sentence: Many different monomers can join up to form a long chain, in a process called _

Many different monomers can join up to form a long chain, in a process called polymerization.

Polymerization is a chemical reaction in which small molecules, known as monomers, chemically bond together to form a larger, more complex molecule called a polymer. This process can occur through different mechanisms, including addition polymerization (where monomers add to one another without the loss of any small molecules) and condensation polymerization (where monomers join together and release a simple molecule, often water). The characteristics and properties of the resulting polymer depend on the types of monomers used, as well as the conditions under which polymerization takes place. Common examples of polymers include plastics, rubbers, and proteins, which play essential roles in both natural and synthetic materials.