Question detail
In the hydrolysis of proteins, what role does water play?
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. It acts as a catalyst.
- B. It is a reactant that breaks peptide bonds.
- C. It is a product of the reaction.
- D. It stabilizes the protein structure.
Answer
It is a reactant that breaks peptide bonds.
Explanation
Water is a reactant in the hydrolysis process, where it reacts with peptide bonds to break them and release amino acids.
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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