What is released when two monomers join during dehydration synthesis?
- A phosphate group is released as a byproduct
- A hydrogen ion is taken in from the surroundings
- A water molecule is released as a byproduct
- A water molecule is taken in from the surroundings
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Correct answer: C. A water molecule is released as a byproduct
1. Monomers combine using covalent bonds to form larger polymers.
2. As each bond forms, the monomers release a water molecule as a byproduct.
3. The name dehydration synthesis records exactly this, putting units together while losing water.
4. Taking water in is the opposite reaction, hydrolysis, so the two options about taking water or hydrogen in are wrong.
_Source: OpenStax Biology (1st ed., CC BY 4.0), Ch 3 "Biological Macromolecules", section 3.1 Synthesis of Biological Macromolecules_