What is hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis is when big molecules break apart into smaller ones by using water.

Imagine you have a big, sticky candy bar that’s hard to bite into. That’s like a big molecule. Now, imagine water comes along and helps you chew it, suddenly, the candy breaks into smaller pieces you can easily eat. That’s hydrolysis!

Think of a group of friends holding hands in a circle, that's like a molecule. When water joins the party, it helps them let go of each other’s hands, and they all split up into smaller groups. Each friend is now part of a new, smaller group, just like how bigger molecules turn into smaller ones.

Starch in your food is like that big candy bar. When you eat it, water helps break the starch into simpler sugars, which your body can use for energy, kind of like turning a big puzzle into little pieces that are easy to put together!