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Multiple Choice
Which type of chemical reaction uses water to break down biomolecules?
A
Oxidation
B
Condensation
C
Hydrolysis
D
Reduction
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the key term in the question: 'uses water to break down biomolecules'. This is a clue to the type of reaction being described.
Understand the concept of hydrolysis: Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where water is used to break down the bonds of a particular substance. In the context of biomolecules, it often involves breaking down polymers into monomers.
Differentiate between the given options: Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, reduction involves the gain of electrons, and condensation typically involves the joining of two molecules with the loss of water. None of these directly describe the process of breaking down molecules using water.
Recognize that hydrolysis is the correct term for reactions where water is used to cleave chemical bonds, particularly in the breakdown of complex molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
Conclude that the type of chemical reaction described in the problem is hydrolysis, as it specifically involves the use of water to break down biomolecules.