Question

the formation of a complex carbohydrate is what type of reaction? options: dehydration synthesis, decarboxylation, hydrolysis, phosphorylation (accompanied by a diagram of sugar molecules reacting to form a larger carbohydrate with water removed)

Explanation:

In the formation of complex carbohydrates (like disaccharides or polysaccharides from monosaccharides), a dehydration synthesis reaction occurs. This reaction involves the removal of a water molecule ($\ce{H_2O}$) when two monosaccharide units are joined together (as seen in the diagram where water is a product of the reaction). Dehydration synthesis is the process of building larger molecules by removing water, which matches the formation of complex carbohydrates. Hydrolysis is the reverse (adding water to break down), decarboxylation removes $\ce{CO_2}$, and phosphorylation adds a phosphate group, so those are not correct.

Answer:

Dehydration synthesis