What does hydrolyse mean?
The verb hydrolyse refers to the chemical process of breaking down a compound using water, resulting in two or more products. This process is fundamental in various biochemical reactions, such as protein digestion, where enzymes hydrolyse peptide bonds to yield smaller peptides or amino acids. Hydrolysis is also crucial in industrial applications, including the production of biofuels and the synthesis of fine chemicals. The term hydrolyse is commonly used in chemistry and biochemistry to describe both the reaction itself and the catalytic process by which it occurs, often facilitated by enzymes or acids.
verbTo break down a chemical compound using water, resulting in two or more products.
- To break down a chemical compound using water.
- To catalyze a chemical reaction involving the breakdown of a compound using water.
"The enzyme hydrolyses the protein into smaller peptides."
"The acid hydrolyses the ester into its constituent parts."
"The enzyme catalyses the hydrolysis of the peptide bond."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of hydrolyse
The term hydrolyse originates from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'lysis' meaning dissolution or loosening. It has been used in the context of chemistry since the late 19th century to describe reactions involving the cleavage of chemical bonds using water.
How hydrolyse is actually used
Often used in chemistry and biochemistry contexts, particularly when discussing enzymatic reactions or acid-base catalysis.