Question

Dehydration synthesis leads to formation of

a. monomers

b. polymers

c. water and polymers

d. none of the above

Short answer

Dehydration synthesis leads to the formation of water and polymers.

Step-by-step solution

Introduction

Dehydration synthesis involves the reaction of two small molecules to form a large molecule with the loss of water. In biology, large macromolecules, crucial for the survival of an organism, such as carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids are synthesized by a dehydration reaction.

Explanation

Monomers are the basic building blocks for the formation of polymers. Monomers combine to form polymers by dehydration synthesis reaction. Hence, option a is incorrect.

Dehydration synthesis is a reaction between two monomers to form polymers. The hydroxy group of one monomer combines with the hydrogen atom from another monomer to form a covalent bond between the monomers and release a water molecule. Hence, option b is incorrect.

Dehydration synthesis is important as it leads to the formation of biological macromolecules that play a critical role in the functioning of the cell. Two monomers combine to form a covalent bond between them and a water molecule is released. The addition of monomers via multiple dehydration synthesis reactions releases water at every step. This growing chain of monomer units begins to form a polymer. Hence, option c is correct.