Question detail
What is the process called when proteins are broken down into amino acids?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
MCQ
Type
practice
Style
Topic
Amino acids, proteins and DNA (A-level only)
Question
- A. Condensation
- B. Hydrolysis
- C. Saponification
- D. Dehydration
Answer
Hydrolysis
Explanation
Hydrolysis is the chemical process that breaks down proteins into amino acids by adding water, which is essential for digestion and metabolism.
Common mistake
Confusion in Hydrolysis Process
Students often confuse hydrolysis of proteins with condensation reactions, thinking that hydrolysis involves forming bonds instead of breaking them.
Remember that hydrolysis is the process of breaking down proteins into amino acids by adding water. The formula for hydrolysis can be represented as: Protein + H2O → Amino Acids. In this reaction, water is used to break the peptide bonds. Therefore, the correct understanding is that hydrolysis involves the addition of water to break bonds, not the formation of new ones.
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