Which process involves the formation of larger molecules by the removal of water from smaller subunits?

The formation of larger molecules by the removal of water from smaller subunits is accurately described by the process known as condensation. In this biochemical reaction, smaller monomers, such as sugars or amino acids, combine to form larger macromolecules, such as polysaccharides or proteins, while simultaneously releasing a molecule of water (H2O). This process is crucial in the synthesis of polymers in biological systems, where the removal of water is essential for binding the subunits together through covalent bonds.

Hydrolysis, on the other hand, is the opposite process, where water is added to break down larger molecules into smaller subunits. Exothermic reactions refer to reactions that release energy, typically in the form of heat, but do not specifically relate to the formation or breakdown of biological molecules. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons and is not directly related to the formation of larger molecules from smaller ones. Thus, condensation is the fundamental process involved in creating larger structures through the removal of water.