A biologist isolates a large, unidentified molecule from some cells in his lab. He determines that the macromolecule breaks into smaller pieces with the concomitant loss of water.

What reaction has he observed?

A) hydrolysis

B) condensation

C) dehydration

Answer: Option C) dehydration

Explanation:

Dehydration involves the removal of at least one mole of water from a substance which could be solid, liquid or gas. Thus, the unidentified molecule, most likely a solid was splitted to its simpler pieces in a process known as dehydration.

For instance: The dehydration of a compound X will be as follows

X - --> Y + nH2O, where n refers to the number of water molecules lost during dehydration