Hydrolysis related questions?
VerifiedAnswer: molecule of water is added to a substance
Explanation:
Hydrolysis is a fundamental chemical process that occurs when a water molecule (H₂O) is added to a substance, causing the breaking of chemical bonds. The term "hydrolysis" literally means "water splitting" - with "hydro" referring to water and "lysis" meaning to break apart. During this process, the water molecule itself splits into hydrogen (H⁺) and hydroxide (OH⁻) ions, which then attach to different parts of the original molecule.
This reaction is extremely important in biological systems and occurs in various forms throughout our bodies. When you eat food, for example, large molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats undergo hydrolysis to break them down into smaller, more manageable units that your body can absorb and use for energy.
Here are some common examples of hydrolysis reactions:
• Protein digestion: Large protein molecules are broken down into amino acids through hydrolysis
• Starch breakdown: Complex carbohydrates like starch are converted into simple sugars
• Fat digestion: Triglycerides are split into glycerol and fatty acids
• ATP breakdown: Energy is released when ATP undergoes hydrolysis to form ADP
The general equation for hydrolysis can be written as: AB + H₂O → AH + BOH, where AB represents the original compound, and AH and BOH are the products formed after the water molecule splits and attaches to different parts of the original molecule.
Understanding hydrolysis is crucial for students studying biology and chemistry because it helps explain how our bodies process nutrients, how enzymes work, and how many metabolic processes function. This reaction is essentially the opposite of dehydration synthesis, where water is removed to form bonds between molecules.
