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:
A hydrolysis reaction is a chemical reaction in which water is used to break down a compound. The word “hydrolysis” comes from “hydro” (water) and “lysis” (to break apart). Let’s evaluate the options:
1. Water is split apart ✅
Correct. In hydrolysis, a water molecule (H₂O) is split into H⁺ and OH⁻ (or H and OH groups), and these parts are used to break a bond in a larger molecule.
2. Two molecules are split apart ✅
Correct. A larger molecule is split into two smaller molecules when water is added. For example, in the hydrolysis of a disaccharide like sucrose, it is broken into glucose and fructose using water.
3. Water is formed ❌
Incorrect. Water is used, not formed. Formation of water typically happens in dehydration synthesis or condensation reactions—the reverse of hydrolysis.
4. Two molecules are combined ❌
Incorrect. In hydrolysis, molecules are broken apart, not combined. Combining two molecules happens during dehydration synthesis.
✅ Correct answers:
- Water is split apart
- Two molecules are split apart