The name of the reaction that breaks polymers apart is hydrolysis.

Here's why:

* Hydro means "water".

* Lysis means "breaking down".

In hydrolysis, a water molecule is added to the polymer chain, breaking the bonds between monomers. The water molecule is split into a hydrogen ion (H+) and a hydroxide ion (OH-), and these ions attach to the monomers, effectively breaking the polymer apart.

Example: The breakdown of starch (a polymer of glucose) into individual glucose molecules is an example of hydrolysis.