Hydrolases

Definition

Hydrolases are a class of enzymes that catalyze the cleavage of chemical bonds through the addition of water. They play a crucial role in the digestion and processing of biomolecules, such as amino acids, peptides, and proteins.

Related terms

Proteases:

Enzymes that break down proteins into smaller peptides or amino acids by hydrolysis.

Lipases:

Enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of fats (lipids) into glycerol and fatty acids.

Nucleases: Enzymes that hydrolyze nucleic acids, breaking them down into smaller nucleotides or nucleosides