Final answer:
Cells construct large molecules from monomers through a process called dehydration synthesis, which releases water as a byproduct. Dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis are essentially reverse reactions related to polymer formation and breakdown.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process by which cells build large molecules from monomers is known as dehydration synthesis. During this process, monomers undergo a chemical reaction where they bind together end to end and form a polymer. A water molecule is released as a byproduct of this reaction, which involves the combination of a hydrogen atom from one monomer with a hydroxyl group from another monomer, leading to the formation of a covalent bond between the monomers and the release of water. In contrast, hydrolysis is the reverse reaction where polymers break down into monomers, with the addition of a water molecule to break the covalent bond.
In summary, to form polymers, monomers release water molecules in a reaction referred to as dehydration synthesis or condensation. When polymers need to be broken down into monomers, a molecule of water is used, and this reaction is termed hydrolysis.