Final answer:
Enzymes break down peptide bonds and polysaccharide linkages through hydrolysis reactions. Specific enzymes catalyze the hydrolysis of different macromolecules, such as carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. This breakdown of macromolecules provides energy for cellular activities.
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. For example, in our bodies, food is hydrolyzed, or broken down, into smaller molecules by catalytic enzymes in the digestive system. 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. Breakdown of these macromolecules provides energy for cellular activities.