Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is a chemical process where water molecules break down larger compounds into smaller ones. During hydrolysis, a water molecule splits into hydrogen and hydroxide ions, which then react with the larger molecule, causing it to break apart. This process is important in many biological functions, such as digestion, where complex nutrients like fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are broken down into simpler units that the body can absorb. Hydrolysis also plays a key role in various industrial and chemical reactions, facilitating the decomposition or alteration of substances through the addition of water.