Question

Hydrolysis refers to:

a. breaking down a molecule of water to hydrogen and oxygen gas.
b. using water to split larger compounds into smaller ones.
c. using water to build larger compounds from smaller ones.
d. none of the above refer to hydrolysis

Answer 1

Hydrolysis is the process where water is used to break larger compounds into smaller ones, by splitting a water molecule into a hydrogen ion and a hydroxide ion that then bond with separate parts of the original compound. the correct option is (a).

Step-by-step explanation:

Hydrolysis refers to the chemical process in which a water molecule is used to break the bonds of a larger compound, resulting in its division into smaller units. This process involves the splitting of a water molecule into two parts: a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydroxide ion (OH-). The hydrogen ion then attaches to one part of the severed compound while the hydroxide ion attaches to the other part, effectively breaking the compound down.

In the context of the provided options for the students question, the correct answer is: b. using water to split larger compounds into smaller ones. For example, in the hydrolysis of ATP, which is a high-energy molecule used in various biological processes, ATP breaks down into ADP and an inorganic phosphate ion (Pi), releasing energy required for life processes and incorporating these split components of water into the products.