Question

The breakdown of large molecules by the enzymatic addition of water is an example of what kind of reaction?

Answer 1

It is hydrolysis. In hydrolysis, larger molecules, such as polymers, are broken down into their monomers by the action of an enzyme and the addition of a water molecule.

Explanation:

The diagram below shows the hydrolysis of the disaccharide sucrose (table sugar) by the action of the enzyme sucrase.

The diagram below shows the hydrolysis of the polysaccharide starch into the disaccharide maltose by the action of the enzyme amylase.

The following diagram shows the hydrolysis of the disaccharide maltose into two monosaccharide glucose molecules by the action of maltase.