Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

hydrolytic

Adjective

/ˌhaɪ.drəˈlɪt.ɪk/

Definition

Relating to or involving hydrolysis, which is a chemical reaction in which water is used to break down compounds.

Examples

Enzymatic reactions often have hydrolytic mechanisms that enable the breakdown of complex substrates.
The hydrolytic cleavage of ATP provides the energy necessary for various cellular processes.
Hydrolytic enzymes, such as proteases, play a crucial role in digestion.

Meaning

Hydrolytic refers to processes that involve the breaking of chemical bonds in a substance through the addition of water. This term is commonly used in chemistry and biology to describe reactions where water facilitates the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller components.