Dehydration synthesis

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Dehydration Synthesis

Dehydration synthesis (pronounced: dee-hi-dray-shun sin-thuh-sis) is a type of chemical reaction that involves the combining of reactant molecules to form a larger, more complex molecule, with the loss of a water molecule. The term originates from the Greek words 'de' meaning 'removal of', 'hydro' meaning 'water', and 'synthesis' meaning 'putting together'.

Process

In dehydration synthesis, two molecules are brought together, usually with the help of an enzyme. A hydrogen atom is removed from one molecule and a hydroxyl group (OH) is removed from the other. These combine to form a water molecule, which is released. The remaining parts of the original molecules then bond together to form a new molecule.

Biological Importance

Dehydration synthesis is a fundamental process in biology, playing a key role in many biological processes. For example, it is involved in the formation of polysaccharides, proteins, and lipids, which are essential components of living organisms.

Related Terms

  • Hydrolysis: The reverse process of dehydration synthesis, where a water molecule is used to break down a complex molecule.
  • Monomer: The smaller molecules that are joined together in dehydration synthesis to form larger molecules.
  • Polymer: The larger, more complex molecules that are formed by dehydration synthesis.
  • Condensation reaction: Another term for dehydration synthesis, often used in the context of organic chemistry.

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