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 type of chemical reaction that involves the breaking of a bond in a molecule using water. The term “hydrolysis” comes from the Greek words hydro (meaning water) and lysis (meaning to break apart). In this process, a water molecule (H₂O) is used to break the bonds between atoms in a larger molecule, resulting in the separation of that molecule into two or more smaller parts.
The correct answers to the question are:
- Water is split apart: In hydrolysis, water plays a direct role by being split into a hydrogen ion (H⁺) and a hydroxide ion (OH⁻). These components are then added to the fragments of the broken molecule. For example, when a disaccharide like sucrose undergoes hydrolysis, it is split into two monosaccharides — glucose and fructose — with the help of water. The H⁺ bonds with one sugar molecule, and the OH⁻ with the other.
- Two molecules are split apart: Hydrolysis reactions commonly occur in biological systems to break down complex molecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. For instance, during digestion, enzymes catalyze hydrolysis reactions to break down proteins into amino acids and polysaccharides into simple sugars. These reactions are essential for making nutrients available for absorption and use in the body.
The other options — “Water is formed” and “Two molecules are combined” — describe a dehydration synthesis (or condensation) reaction, which is the opposite of hydrolysis. In dehydration synthesis, two molecules are joined together with the removal of a water molecule.
In conclusion, a hydrolysis reaction involves splitting water and breaking apart molecules, making it crucial for many biological and chemical processes that require the breakdown of complex compounds into simpler, usable forms.
