Definition

A type of enzyme that helps break down substances by adding water, which causes a chemical reaction called hydrolysis.

Example

Hydrolases play a crucial role in digestion by breaking down complex molecules into simpler ones.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a hydrolase?

Yeah, isn't it an enzyme that helps break down substances?

Exactly! It catalyzes the hydrolysis of different substrates.

That's really interesting — enzymes play such a huge role in biology!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hydrolase is formed from "hydro-" (from Greek "hydor", meaning water) and "-lase" (from Greek "lasein", meaning to split or break down). The word refers to an enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of a compound, meaning it breaks down substances in the presence of water.

Memory Tip

Think of 'water' ('hydro-') being used to 'break down' ('lase') substances — that's what hydrolase does.

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