Apentix/AP Biology/Unit 1: Chemistry of Life/Question
AP Biologyeasymcq1 pt

Which statement correctly describes what happens during hydrolysis of a biological polymer?

A.Each broken bond consumes one water molecule, whose H and OH rejoin the separated fragments
B.Water is released as a byproduct each time a new covalent bond forms
C.No water participates, because the polymer simply falls apart on its own
D.Oxygen gas strips the monomers away from the polymer chain

Explanation

Core Concept

Hydrolysis uses water to cleave a covalent linkage: H is added to one product and OH to the other. Cleaving every linkage in a polymer can ultimately yield monomers, but hydrolysis of a single internal bond may first produce smaller oligomers or fragments. Condensation reactions run in the opposite direction, forming bonds while releasing water.

Correct Answer

AEach broken bond consumes one water molecule, whose H and OH rejoin the separated fragments

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