Hidrolüüs

Hidrolüüs is a chemical reaction in which a molecule of water is used to break down a compound. The word "hidrolüüs" itself comes from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water and "lysis" meaning to break or loosen. In a hidrolüüs reaction, the water molecule is split into a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydroxide ion (OH-). These ions then attach to the original compound, breaking its bonds.

This process is fundamental to many biological and chemical processes. For example, in digestion, the breakdown of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats into smaller, absorbable molecules occurs through hidrolüüs. Enzymes often act as catalysts to speed up these hidrolüüs reactions in living organisms. In industrial chemistry, hidrolüüs is used in the production of various substances, such as the saponification of fats to produce soap, which is a form of hidrolüüs.

Conversely, the reverse reaction, where two molecules combine to form a larger one with the removal of a water molecule, is called condensation. Hidrolüüs is a common and essential reaction in both natural and artificial systems, playing a vital role in breaking down complex substances into simpler ones.