Final answer:
Polymers form through dehydration synthesis, which requires energy and releases water, while their breakdown occurs via hydrolysis, which consumes water and releases energy. Both reactions are catalyzed by enzymes and are reverse processes of each other. Option B is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The formation of polymers occurs through a reaction known as dehydration synthesis or condensation reactions, where monomers join together by losing water molecules. This process requires energy to form new bonds. In contrast, the breakdown of polymers, called hydrolysis, involves cutting these bonds by adding water, which results in energy release.
Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction where each time a new bond is formed between monomers, a water molecule is released. The polymer is built by repetitively joining monomers, with each joining releasing a molecule of water. Hence the term dehydration, which means losing water.
Hydrolysis is the reverse process. In the presence of water and specific enzymes, the bonds between monomers in polymers are broken down. During hydrolysis, a water molecule is consumed, and the polymer is split into monomers, with one part gaining a hydrogen atom (H+) and the other gaining a hydroxyl group (OH−) from the split water molecule.
In summary, dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis are responsible for the life-sustaining cycles of polymer formation and breakdown. Worth noting is that both reactions are catalyzed by enzymes and are essential for the biological processes of living organisms.