Which process describes building larger molecules by removing a water molecule?

• A. Chemical Indicator
• B. Hydrolysis
• C. Dehydration Synthesis
• D. Compound

Answer: (C)

Forming larger molecules by linking smaller units while releasing a water molecule is dehydration synthesis. This condensation reaction creates a covalent bond between monomers as the water is expelled, allowing polymers to form. It’s how amino acids join to make proteins, sugars join to build polysaccharides, and glycerol with fatty acids form triglycerides. In contrast, hydrolysis uses water to break bonds and split polymers into monomers, while a chemical indicator is just a test, and a compound is simply a substance composed of elements.