Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hydrolyse

verb

/ˈhaɪ.drə.laɪz/

Definition

To undergo a chemical process where water is used to break down a compound into smaller parts.

Examples

When proteins are in the stomach, they start to hydrolyse into smaller peptides.
The process of hydrolysing starch results in the formation of glucose.
Enzymes help to hydrolyse fats into fatty acids and glycerol.

Meaning

Hydrolysis is a reaction involving the breaking of a bond in a molecule by the addition of water. This process can occur in various fields such as chemistry and biology, often leading to the decomposition of complex substances into simpler ones.