Hydrolysis
What is Hydrolysis?
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a molecule is cleaved into two parts by the addition of a water molecule, with the hydrogen atom of water attaching to one fragment and the hydroxyl group to the other. It is a fundamental reaction in biochemistry, where enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into their constituent monomers. In inorganic chemistry, hydrolysis of salts can affect solution pH, as weak-acid anions or weak-base cations react with water.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a molecule is cleaved into two parts by the addition of a water molecule, with the hydrogen atom of water attaching to one fragment and the hydroxyl group to the other. It is a fundamental reaction in biochemistry, where enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into their constituent monomers. In inorganic chemistry, hydrolysis of salts can affect solution pH, as weak-acid anions or weak-base cations react with water.