Briefly describe the process of the hydrolysis reaction for carbohydrates (Show an example)
Complete these word equations:
- a. Glucose + glucose –
- b. Glucose + fructose – Monosaccharide + monosaccharide –
- d. Lactose + water – ?
- e. Disaccharide + water
The correct answer and explanation is :
Hydrolysis Reaction for Carbohydrates: Brief Description
Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where a water molecule breaks the bond between two linked sugar units (saccharides). It is the reverse of a condensation (or dehydration synthesis) reaction. During hydrolysis, an enzyme (like sucrase or lactase) adds water to a disaccharide or polysaccharide, breaking it into simpler sugars.
Example:
Sucrose (table sugar) + water → glucose + fructose
Enzyme: Sucrase
Complete the Word Equations:
a. Glucose + glucose → Maltose + water
b. Glucose + fructose → Sucrose + water
c. Monosaccharide + monosaccharide → Disaccharide + water
d. Lactose + water → Glucose + Galactose
e. Disaccharide + water → Monosaccharide + Monosaccharide
Explanation (300 words):
Carbohydrates are organic molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, usually in a 1:2:1 ratio. The basic units of carbohydrates are monosaccharides (simple sugars) like glucose and fructose. These monosaccharides can combine to form disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose) and polysaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen) through condensation reactions, where a molecule of water is removed.
The hydrolysis reaction is the opposite of this process. In hydrolysis, water is used to break the bond between monosaccharide units. This is important in digestion, where complex carbohydrates must be broken down into absorbable monosaccharides.
For example, lactose (a disaccharide found in milk) is hydrolyzed by the enzyme lactase into glucose and galactose. This reaction is essential for people to digest milk properly. Those who lack lactase experience lactose intolerance.
Hydrolysis of carbohydrates typically involves specific enzymes:
- Maltase breaks maltose into two glucose units.
- Sucrase breaks sucrose into glucose and fructose.
- Lactase breaks lactose into glucose and galactose.
These enzymes act in the digestive system, mainly in the small intestine, to ensure carbohydrates are converted into simple sugars that the body can absorb and use for energy.
In summary, hydrolysis is a vital biochemical reaction where water and enzymes break down larger carbohydrate molecules into their simpler sugar components, supporting proper digestion and nutrient absorption.
