Question

what type of reaction can build a polymer from monomers? oxidation dehydration cellular respiration

Explanation:

To determine the reaction that builds a polymer from monomers, we analyze each option:

• Oxidation: Involves electron loss or oxygen addition, not polymer formation from monomers.
• Dehydration: In this reaction, monomers combine, and a water molecule ($\ce{H_2O}$) is removed (dehydration) to form covalent bonds between monomers, creating a polymer. For example, amino acids form proteins via dehydration synthesis.
• Cellular respiration: A metabolic process to produce energy (ATP), not related to polymer synthesis.

Thus, dehydration is the reaction that builds polymers from monomers.

Answer:

B. Dehydration