HYDROLYSIS REACTION Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrolysis reaction is a chemical process that involves the breaking down of a compound or molecule through the addition of water molecules. This reaction occurs when a water molecule splits into a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydroxyl ion (OH-), causing a covalent bond in the compound to break. The hydrogen ion binds with one component of the compound, while the hydroxyl ion binds with the other, resulting in the formation of two new compounds or molecules.
The process of hydrolysis is commonly used to break apart large complex molecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids, into smaller subunits. This enables the body to absorb nutrients and convert them into energy. Additionally, hydrolysis reactions are important in many biological processes, such as digestion, metabolism, and cellular signaling.
Hydrolysis reactions can also occur in inorganic compounds, such as salts and metal oxides, leading to the formation of acids or bases. For example, the hydrolysis of sodium chloride (NaCl) in water produces sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrochloric acid (HCl).
Overall, hydrolysis reactions play a vital role in various chemical and biological systems, contributing to the breakdown, transformation, and utilization of various compounds and molecules.
Etymology of HYDROLYSIS REACTION
The word "hydrolysis" is derived from two Greek terms: "hydor", meaning "water", and "lysis", meaning "loosening" or "breaking down". Thus, the term "hydrolysis" refers to a chemical reaction that involves the breaking down or decomposition of a compound by water.
