Final answer:
Dehydration synthesis reactions join monomers to form polymers by removing a water molecule, while hydrolysis reactions break polymers into monomers by adding a water molecule. This releases energy and results in the formation of a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl molecule. Hydrolysis is essential for the digestion of food in our bodies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dehydration Synthesis: In a dehydration synthesis reaction, monomers are joined together to form a polymer by removing a water molecule. This process requires energy and forms covalent bonds between the monomers. For example, glucose monomers combine to form starch, glycogen, and cellulose.
Hydrolysis: Polymers are broken down into monomers through hydrolysis, which involves the addition of a water molecule to break the bonds between monomers. This releases energy and results in the formation of a hydrogen atom and a hydroxyl molecule. Hydrolysis is essential for the digestion of food in our bodies.