How Do You Spell HYDROLYTIC?

1. Hydrolytic, derived from the term "hydrolysis," refers to a chemical process wherein a compound breaks down into its constituent elements or smaller molecules by reacting with water. It involves the breaking of covalent bonds within the compound due to the addition of water molecules, leading to the formation of new compounds. This reaction typically occurs under specific conditions, such as the presence of an acid or an enzyme, which act as catalysts to accelerate the process.

   In hydrolytic reactions, the water molecule donates a hydroxyl (OH–) group to one of the reactant molecules, while the other reactant molecule accepts a hydrogen (H+) ion. This exchange of functional groups leads to the cleavage of the original compound into multiple fragments.

   Hydrolytic reactions have significant applications in various fields, including industrial processes, biochemistry, and environmental science. In industrial settings, hydrolysis is often employed to split complex organic compounds into simpler, more useful substances. In biochemistry, hydrolysis plays a crucial role in the digestion and breakdown of macromolecules, such as proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids, into their respective building blocks. Moreover, the process of hydrolysis has implications in the degradation of environmental pollutants, as it aids in breaking down complex molecules present in waste materials or toxins.

   Overall, the term hydrolytic describes the chemical process of breaking down compounds through the addition of water, resulting in the formation of new substances.

2. Referring to or causing hydrolysis.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for HYDROLYTIC

The word "hydrolytic" is derived from the combination of two roots: "hydro-" and "-lytic".

The root "hydro-" is derived from the Greek word "hudro", meaning "water". It is commonly used in scientific and technical terminology to indicate that water is involved in a process or a substance.

The suffix "-lytic" is derived from the Greek word "lutikos", meaning "able to loosen or dissolve". It is used to form adjectives that describe the ability to break down or decompose substances.

By combining the root "hydro-" with the suffix "-lytic", the word "hydrolytic" is formed. It is used in various scientific contexts to describe a process or substance that involves the decomposition or fragmentation of a compound through a reaction with water.

Similar spelling word for HYDROLYTIC