Hydrolase is a term often used in biochemistry. It refers to a specific class of enzyme that works to control the process of hydrolysis in the body. Hydrolysis is basically a chemical reaction that is caused when a molecule of water works to split apart another molecule in the body. There are many types of hydrolase in the human body, each causing different reactions.
The various enzymes in the body are divided into different categories. The hydrolase enzyme is classified as an EC 3. These enzymes are then divided further into several subcategories, depending on the particular bonds they act upon during the chemical processes.
While the hydrolase enzymes work to cause chemical reactions in many different types of molecules, there are certain areas of the body that are changed the most by this type of chemical reaction. These include phosphate esters, fats, proteins, starch, and nucleic acids. These reactions cause various changes within the body.
For instance, when water is added to phosphate esters, the phosphate molecules actually become smaller. This process takes several hours to achieve. The reaction time for this process can be affected significantly by other factors, including acidic conditions within the body or even elevated temperatures. This is one of many examples of the effects of a hydrolase enzyme at work.
The hydrolase enzymes have a different effect when it comes to fats. In the hydrolysis process for fats or oils, both water and lipase are involved. Lipase is another type of enzyme that is water-soluble. The chemical reaction involved in this instance is responsible for helping the body to burn fat.
In protein hydrolysis, the enzymes work together with not only water, but also hydrochloric acid. During this chemical reaction, the hydrochloric acid actually vaporizes when it comes into contact with the protein samples. This hydrolysis process allows small protein samples to be isolated and separated, making it possible to analyze these samples during physician-ordered lab testing.
The hydrolase enzymes used when it comes to starches is called amylase. During this hydrolysis process, starches are broken down into sugars by the body. This chemical reaction helps to provide energy as well as aids in the digestive process.
Nucleic acids are responsible for carrying the genetic information present in each person. The process of hydrolysis is used along with these acids to isolate DNA material. This has allowed a new world to open up in the field of genetic testing.