During condensation, when two monomers join, a hydroxyl (-OH) group is removed from one monomer and a hydrogen (-H) is removed from the other. Water is given off during a condensation reaction. Condensation involves a dehydration synthesis because water is removed (dehydration) and bond is made (synthesis). Condensation does not take place unless the proper enzyme is present and the monomers are in an activated energy-rich form. Polymers are broken down by hydrolysis, which is essentially the reverse of condensation. Water is added during hydration, an OH group from water attaches to the other monomer. Hydration involves a hydrolysis reaction because water is used to break a bond. Again, the proper enzyme is required.
(a) In cells, synthesis often occurs when monomers are joined by condensation (removal of H2O).
(b) Hydrolysis occurs when the monomers in a polymer separate after the addition of H2O.
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