Question

Describe difference between dehydration reaction and hydrolysis. How do these reactions relate to macromolecules?

Answer 1

Dehydration reactions involve the formation of new bonds, while hydrolysis reactions break bonds and release energy. Each macromolecule is broken down by a specific enzyme.

Step-by-step explanation:

Dehydration and hydrolysis reactions are catalyzed, or "sped up," by specific enzymes; dehydration reactions involve the formation of new bonds, requiring energy, while hydrolysis reactions break bonds and release energy. These reactions are similar for most macromolecules, but each monomer and polymer reaction is specific for its class. For example, in our bodies, food is hydrolyzed, or broken down, into smaller molecules by catalytic enzymes in the digestive system. This allows for easy absorption of nutrients by cells in the intestine. Each macromolecule is broken down by a specific enzyme. For instance, carbohydrates are broken down by amylase, sucrase, lactase, or maltase. Proteins are broken down by the enzymes pepsin and peptidase and by hydrochloric acid. Lipids are broken down by lipases. The breakdown of these macromolecules provides energy for cellular activities.

Answer 2

Dehydration reaction includes removal of water molecule from compounds to facilitate formation of bonds between them while hydrolysis reactions break the compounds by breaking the bonds.

Dehydration reactions form the complex macromolecules while hydrolysis reactions break them down into the simpler elements.

Step-by-step explanation:

During dehydration reactions, removal of a water molecule from two compounds leads to the formation of a covalent bond between them. These reactions are mainly part of anabolic pathways. Two amino acids are joined together by peptide bond and a water molecule is released during the reaction.

Hydrolysis reactions are the opposite of dehydration reactions and are involved in catabolic pathways of macromolecules. The peptide bonds between amino acids are broken down by hydrolysis.