Here's a breakdown:

* Dehydration synthesis is a chemical reaction where monomers (small molecules) are joined together to form a larger polymer. This process removes a water molecule (H₂O).

* Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction that breaks down a polymer into its individual monomers. This process adds a water molecule (H₂O).

Think of it like this:

* Dehydration synthesis: Building a chain by joining links together, removing a small piece of metal each time.

* Hydrolysis: Breaking a chain apart by inserting a small piece of metal between each link.

Examples:

* Dehydration synthesis: Glucose monomers join together to form starch, removing water.

* Hydrolysis: Starch breaks down into glucose monomers, adding water.

Let me know if you'd like more details or examples!