A hydrolysis reaction results in which two of the following?
Water is split apart.
Two molecules are split apart.
Water is formed.
Two molecules are combined.
The correct answer and explanation is :
The correct answers are:
- Two molecules are split apart.
- Water is split apart.
Explanation:
A hydrolysis reaction is a type of chemical reaction in which a molecule is broken down into two smaller molecules through the addition of water. The term “hydrolysis” comes from the Greek words hydro meaning water and lysis meaning to split. This reaction typically involves the cleavage of chemical bonds between molecules with the help of water molecules.
In a hydrolysis reaction:
- Water is added: The process involves breaking a bond in a molecule, with water being split into its components (H₂O → H⁺ and OH⁻). One part of the water molecule (hydrogen ion, H⁺) attaches to one of the smaller molecules, while the hydroxide ion (OH⁻) attaches to the other. This leads to the formation of two distinct molecules from one original molecule.
- For example, when a disaccharide like sucrose undergoes hydrolysis, it is broken down into two monosaccharides (glucose and fructose). Water is added to break the bond between the two monosaccharide units.
- Two molecules are split apart: The result of hydrolysis is that a single larger molecule is split into two smaller molecules, with the help of water.
Common examples:
- Digestion: In biological systems, enzymes catalyze hydrolysis reactions during digestion, where large food molecules (like proteins, fats, and carbohydrates) are broken down into smaller molecules that can be absorbed by the body.
- Polymer breakdown: Hydrolysis is also used in the breakdown of polymers like starch into simpler sugars or proteins into amino acids.
Incorrect answers:
- Water is formed: This would be the case in a condensation (or dehydration) reaction, not hydrolysis. In condensation, two molecules combine, releasing water.
- Two molecules are combined: Again, this describes a condensation reaction, not a hydrolysis reaction, where the goal is to break molecules apart, not combine them.
Thus, hydrolysis reactions always involve the splitting of water and the breaking down of molecules.