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:
Correct Answers:
✅ Water is split apart.
✅ Two molecules are split apart.
Explanation:
A hydrolysis reaction is a chemical process in which a molecule is broken down into smaller components by adding water. The term “hydrolysis” comes from the Greek words “hydro” (water) and “lysis” (to break apart), literally meaning “breaking with water.”
1. Water is split apart
In a hydrolysis reaction, water (H₂O) participates as a reactant, and it is split into a hydrogen ion (H⁺) and a hydroxide ion (OH⁻). These ions then become part of the products. For example:
- When breaking a peptide bond in a protein, water is used to add H⁺ to one side (forming an amine group) and OH⁻ to the other (forming a carboxyl group).
- This process breaks the bond between the two amino acids.
This shows that water is split apart during the reaction.
2. Two molecules are split apart
Hydrolysis reactions are catabolic reactions, meaning they break down complex molecules. A common example is the breakdown of sucrose (table sugar) into glucose and fructose with the help of water. Here, the water contributes parts of itself (H⁺ and OH⁻) to separate the sugar into two smaller molecules.
So, the original large molecule is split into two smaller molecules, which makes the statement “Two molecules are split apart” correct.
Incorrect Options:
❌ Water is formed – This describes a dehydration synthesis (condensation) reaction, not hydrolysis. In dehydration synthesis, water is removed as two molecules combine.
❌ Two molecules are combined – This also refers to synthesis reactions like condensation, not hydrolysis.
Summary:
Hydrolysis reactions are essential in digestion and metabolism. They help break down complex molecules like proteins, carbohydrates, and fats into simpler units that the body can absorb and use. In every case, water is split and used to break chemical bonds, resulting in smaller products.