What is the process called when a water molecule is removed during polymer formation?

• A. Condensation
• B. Dehydration synthesis
• C. Hydrolysis
• D. Oxidation

Answer: (B)

When making polymers from smaller units, the pieces are joined by forming covalent bonds while a water molecule is removed. This specific reaction is dehydration synthesis, which is a condensation-type process that results in a larger molecule plus water. It’s the best term here because it directly describes removing water to form the new bond between monomers. If water were added instead, the bonds would be broken in a hydrolysis reaction, not formed. Oxidation isn’t part of this bond-forming process. For example, linking amino acids to form a protein or sugars to form a polysaccharide occurs via dehydration synthesis.