Here's why:
* Hydrolysis involves the addition of a water molecule (H₂O) to break a chemical bond. The water molecule is split, with one part attaching to one component and the other part attaching to the other component. This process breaks down larger molecules into smaller ones.
* Synthesis (also known as dehydration synthesis) is the opposite of hydrolysis. It involves the removal of a water molecule to create a new chemical bond. This process builds larger molecules from smaller components.
Example:
* Hydrolysis: A protein (large molecule) is broken down into individual amino acids (smaller molecules) through the addition of water molecules.
* Synthesis: Individual amino acids are joined together to form a protein (large molecule) through the removal of water molecules.
Therefore, hydrolysis is a degradative process, while synthesis is a constructive process.
