Hydrolyze
Hydrolyze
Hydrolyze (pronounced: /ˈhʌɪdrəlaɪz/) is a term used in Chemistry and Biochemistry to describe the process of breaking down a compound by chemical reaction with water. The term is derived from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water, and 'lyze' meaning to loosen or untie.
Etymology
The term 'Hydrolyze' is derived from the Greek words 'hydro' which means water, and 'lyze' which means to loosen or untie. It was first used in the late 19th century in the field of Chemistry.
Process
In the process of hydrolysis, a molecule of water is added to a substance. This causes the substance to split into two parts. One fragment of the target molecule (or parent molecule) gains a hydrogen ion (H+). The other group collects the remaining hydroxide (OH−).
Types of Hydrolysis
There are several types of hydrolysis reactions including acid hydrolysis, base hydrolysis, and enzymatic hydrolysis.
- Acid Hydrolysis - This type of hydrolysis is catalyzed by an acid. In this process, a water molecule is split into a hydrogen cation and a hydroxide anion. The acid then donates a proton (H+) to the substance being hydrolyzed.
- Base Hydrolysis - This type of hydrolysis is catalyzed by a base. In this process, a water molecule is split into a hydrogen cation and a hydroxide anion. The base then accepts a proton (H+) from the substance being hydrolyzed.
- Enzymatic Hydrolysis - This type of hydrolysis is catalyzed by an enzyme. In this process, a water molecule is split into a hydrogen cation and a hydroxide anion. The enzyme then facilitates the reaction between the water and the substance being hydrolyzed.
Related Terms
- Hydrolysis - The chemical reaction in which a water molecule is added to a substance resulting in the breakage of a bond in that substance.
- Hydrolase - A type of enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of a specific type of bond.
- Hydrolyte - The product of a hydrolysis reaction.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Hydrolyze
- Wikipedia's article - Hydrolyze
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