Dehydration can be described as a:

• A. chemical reaction that removes a water molecule to form a new bond
• B. type of passive transport across cell membranes
• C. process in which water is added to break a bond
• D. mechanism for increasing the solubility of proteins

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the term 'dehydration' in the context of biology. Dehydration refers to a chemical reaction where water is removed from molecules, often to form a new bond between them. This is distinct from hydrolysis, which involves adding water to break bonds.
2. Analyze the options provided. The first option, 'chemical reaction that removes a water molecule to form a new bond,' aligns with the definition of dehydration synthesis, a process commonly seen in forming polymers like proteins and carbohydrates.
3. Evaluate the second option, 'type of passive transport across cell membranes.' Passive transport refers to the movement of substances across membranes without energy input, which is unrelated to dehydration synthesis.
4. Consider the third option, 'process in which water is added to break a bond.' This describes hydrolysis, the opposite of dehydration synthesis, and is therefore incorrect in this context.
5. Review the fourth option, 'mechanism for increasing the solubility of proteins.' Dehydration synthesis does not increase solubility; instead, it forms larger molecules by bonding smaller ones together. This option is also incorrect.