Hydrolyzing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hydrolyzing
[haɪˈdrɒl.aɪzɪŋ ]
Definition
chemical process
Hydrolyzing is the chemical process of breaking down a compound by the reaction of water with it. This process typically involves the cleavage of chemical bonds in the compound, leading to the formation of two or more smaller molecules. It is an important reaction in various biological and industrial processes.
Synonyms
decomposing, dissolving, splitting.
Examples of usage
- The enzyme facilitated the hydrolyzing of starch into glucose.
- Hydrolyzing proteins can enhance their digestibility.
- In the experiment, we focused on hydrolyzing the ester bonds.
- When hydrolyzing cellulose, we can produce sugars.
- The hydrolyzing reaction occurred at elevated temperatures.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, hydrolysis is crucial for digestion, as it breaks down food into nutrients that the body can use.
- It plays a key role in biochemical processes like DNA replication and protein synthesis, where water molecules are essential.
Chemistry
- During hydrolysis, chemical bonds are broken, often leading to the formation of acids or bases, pivotal in reactions.
- Esters, which are common in organic chemistry, undergo hydrolysis to produce an alcohol and a carboxylic acid.
Environmental Science
- Hydrolysis is vital in soil chemistry, where it affects nutrient availability in plants and helps decompose organic matter.
- It also plays a role in the breakdown of pollutants, helping to purify water supplies in nature.
Applications
- Hydrolysis is extensively used in the food industry, especially in the production of sugars through starch hydrolysis.
- In pharmaceuticals, hydrolyzing agents are used to formulate medications by breaking them down into active components.
Origin of 'hydrolyzing'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek words 'hydro' meaning water and 'lysis' meaning to break down.
- Hydrolysis was first recognized in the early 19th century as scientists explored chemical reactions involving water.
The term 'hydrolyzing' is derived from the combination of two Greek words: 'hydro', meaning 'water', and 'lyze', meaning 'to loosen' or 'to dissolve'. This etymology reflects the fundamental role of water in the hydrolysis process, where a compound is broken down by the addition of water molecules. The term emerged in the context of chemistry in the late 18th century as scientists began to understand the role of water in chemical reactions. The process of hydrolysis is essential in many biochemical reactions, including digestion and metabolism, making the understanding of hydrolyzing crucial in both biological studies and industrial applications.