What is dehydration synthesis?

Dehydration Synthesis

Dehydration synthesis, also known as condensation reaction, is a chemical process where two molecules are joined together by the removal of a water molecule (H₂O). This process is crucial in building larger biomolecules from smaller subunits.

• The Basic Process: During Dehydration%20Synthesis, a hydroxyl group (-OH) is removed from one molecule and a hydrogen atom (-H) is removed from another molecule. These atoms combine to form a water molecule, and the two original molecules are bonded together, forming a larger molecule.

• Building Polymers: Dehydration synthesis is fundamental to the formation of Polymers from monomers. Examples include:

  • Amino acids joining to form Proteins.
  • Monosaccharides joining to form Polysaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).
  • Glycerol and fatty acids joining to form lipids (e.g., triglycerides).
  • Nucleotides joining to form Nucleic%20Acids (DNA and RNA).

• Energy Requirements: Dehydration synthesis is an endergonic reaction, meaning it requires an input of energy to occur. This energy is often supplied by ATP (adenosine triphosphate).

• Enzymes: These reactions are usually facilitated by Enzymes, which lower the activation energy required for the reaction to proceed.

• Reversal: The reverse process of dehydration synthesis is Hydrolysis, where a water molecule is added to break the bond between two monomers.