Question

which of the following best describes the process that adds a monosaccharide to an existing polysaccharide?
a the monosaccharide is completely broken down by a specific enzyme and then the atoms are reorganized and made into a polysaccharide.
b ionic bonds are formed between adjacent carbon atoms of the monosaccharide and the polysaccharide by adding water (h₂o) and a specific enzyme.
c a specific enzyme removes the hydrogen (h) from the monosaccharide and the hydroxide (oh) from the polysaccharide, creating a bond between the two and creating a water (h₂o) molecule.

Explanation:

The process of adding a monosaccharide to an existing polysaccharide is a dehydration - synthesis reaction. In this reaction, a specific enzyme catalyzes the removal of a hydrogen atom from the monosaccharide and a hydroxide group from the polysaccharide. This results in the formation of a covalent bond between the monosaccharide and the polysaccharide, and a water molecule is released as a by - product. Option A is incorrect as the monosaccharide is not broken down and re - made. Option B is incorrect because ionic bonds are not formed in this process; glycosidic bonds (covalent) are formed.

Answer:

C. A specific enzyme removes the hydrogen (H) from the monosaccharide and the hydroxide (OH) from the polysaccharide, creating a bond between the two and creating a water (H₂O) molecule.