H2O C D) A + H2O B + C
Which of the following reactions is a hydrolysis reaction? 68) A) A B + C+ H2O B) A + B C + H2O C) A + B + H2O C D) A + H2O B + C
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is: D) A + H₂O → B + C
Explanation:
Hydrolysis is a type of chemical reaction in which a water molecule (H₂O) is used to break a bond in another molecule, typically resulting in two or more smaller molecules. The term comes from “hydro” (water) and “lysis” (to break apart).
In the context of organic chemistry and biochemistry, hydrolysis is very common in the breakdown of large biomolecules:
- Proteins are hydrolyzed into amino acids.
- Polysaccharides like starch are hydrolyzed into sugars.
- Nucleic acids like DNA are hydrolyzed into nucleotides.
Let’s break down each option:
- A) A → B + C + H₂O
This shows a decomposition reaction where water is produced, not consumed. This is not hydrolysis. - B) A + B → C + H₂O
This is likely a condensation or dehydration synthesis reaction where water is formed as a byproduct. This is the reverse of hydrolysis. - C) A + B + H₂O → C
Water is a reactant, which seems promising, but this looks like a complex combination reaction, not necessarily involving a specific hydrolytic cleavage of a bond. - D) A + H₂O → B + C
This matches the definition of hydrolysis: water is used to break molecule A into smaller parts B and C. Water is a reactant, and the bond in compound A is cleaved with the help of water.
Real-World Examples of Hydrolysis:
- Sucrose hydrolysis:
Sucrose + H₂O → Glucose + Fructose
(Breakdown of sugar using water) - ATP hydrolysis:
ATP + H₂O → ADP + Pi + Energy
(Water is used to break high-energy phosphate bonds in ATP)
Thus, Option D accurately represents a hydrolysis reaction because water participates as a reactant to split a larger molecule into smaller ones.
