Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
hydrolyze
Verb
/haɪˈdrɒl.aɪz/
Definition
To cause to undergo hydrolysis, a chemical reaction involving the breaking of a bond through the addition of water.
Examples
- In biology, enzymes often hydrolyze proteins into amino acids.
- The chemist will hydrolyze the organic compound to study its components.
- During digestion, the body hydrolyzes starches into sugars.
Meaning
Hydrolyze typically refers to the process where a compound reacts with water, leading to a change in its chemical structure. This is commonly seen in the breakdown of larger molecules into smaller ones.
Synonyms
- Break down
- Decompose
- Split
- React with water
