What is the difference between hydrolysis and dehydration

Subject : Biology

Question:

What is the difference between hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis?

Expert Verified Solution:

Hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis are two fundamental types of chemical reactions involved in the breakdown and formation of molecules, respectively.

1. Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where water is used to break down complex molecules into simpler ones. In this process, a water molecule is added to break the bonds between subunits of a larger molecule. For example, during digestion, hydrolysis helps in breaking down proteins into amino acids.

2. Dehydration Synthesis (also known as condensation reaction) is the process of joining two molecules together with the removal of water. This reaction typically forms a new bond between the molecules. For instance, during the formation of polysaccharides from monosaccharides, water is released as the bonds between sugar units are formed.

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