Download Hydrolysis and Dehydration Synthesis: How we become what we eat

Hydrolysis and Dehydration Synthesis: How we become what we eat.
Hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis are chemical processes used to break down
and rebuild organic compounds.
Organic Compounds:
o Carbohydrates (Sugars and Starches)
o Monosaccharides are simple sugars, i.e., glucose and fructose
o Complex carbohydrates form when glucose bonds with another monosaccharide
o Lipids
o Triglycerides – 3 fatty acids + glyceride
o Steroids – cholesterol and hormones
o Protein
o Made of amino acids
o Enzymes speed up chemical reactions
o Structural proteins (hair)
o Nucleic acid (DNA and RNA)
Dehydration Synthesis:
o Chemical process through which small molecules (monomers) join together
(bind) to make large molecules (polymers) and water (H2O)is removed
o During process, a hydrogen (H+) ion from one molecule and a hydroxide (OH-)
ion from the next molecule are removed
o This process builds what our bodies need.
o Small molecules become more complex molecules.
o Monosaccharides → Complex Carbohydrates
o Amino Acids → Proteins
o Nucleotides → Nucleic acid
Hydrolysis:
o Chemical process whereby large molecules are broken down when water is added
o During process, a hydrogen (H+) ion is added to one molecule and a hydroxide
(OH-) ion is added to the next molecule.
o This process converts foods we eat into nutrients our bodies can use
o Large food molecules changed into smaller, simpler molecules.
o Sucrose + Water → Glucose + Fructose
(Disaccharide → 2 Monosaccharides)
Role of Hydrolysis and Dehydration Synthesis in Digestion:
Through hydrolysis and dehydration synthesis, foods that are digested are changed into
their organic compounds to perform important functions in maintaining our bodies:
o Carbohydrates – provide energy
o Lipids – store energy, provide insulation, function as hormones
o Proteins – assist with muscle development and tissue health