Hydrolysis is really the opposite of condensation. Instead of removing a water molecule to form a covalent bond, as happens in a condensation reaction, water is added to break the covalent bond. Hydrolysis occurs during the breakdown of macromolecules such as proteins, starch and glycogen. Macromolecules need to be broken down during digestion and through the normal processes of the cell where macromolecules have to be removed.

Proteins are polymers formed from the covalent bonding of smaller molecules, amino acids. Hydrolysis splits the bonds between each amino acid in the protein chain and releases free amino acids.

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