Hydrolysis

Definition

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where water is used to break down the bonds of certain substances. In biology, it's often used to break down complex molecules into their simpler components.

Related terms

Digestion: This biological process uses hydrolysis extensively as it breaks down food into its basic nutrients so they can be absorbed by the body.

Enzymes: These are proteins that speed up chemical reactions in cells; they play an important role in both dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis processes.

Substrate: The substance on which an enzyme acts during a chemical reaction; for example, the Lego tower that needs to be disassembled.