What is hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis is defined as a chemical process that involves the breaking down of a compound due to the reaction with water. In this reaction, water is added to the substance, which facilitates the separation of the molecules within that compound. This process is critical in many biological and chemical systems, as it allows for the decomposition of complex molecules, such as proteins and polysaccharides, into simpler ones. This can lead to reactions important in wastewater treatment, where organic matter needs to be broken down to reduce pollution and facilitate further treatments. The molecular splitting that occurs during hydrolysis is a fundamental reaction in both environmental chemistry and metabolic reactions in living organisms.