American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Histotechnologist Practice Test

Which of the following is a result of using hydrolases?

1. Formation of larger molecules

2. Splitting of substrates

3. Creation of energy

4. Inhibition of chemical reactions

The correct answer is: Splitting of substrates

Hydrolases are enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis reaction, which involves the addition of water to break chemical bonds within substrate molecules. This process results in the splitting of larger substrates into smaller molecules, such as the breakdown of proteins into amino acids or polysaccharides into monosaccharides. The specific action of hydrolases is crucial in various biological processes, including digestion and metabolic pathways, where they facilitate the breakdown of complex molecules. While other enzymes can participate in forming larger molecules, creating energy, or affecting reaction rates, the defining characteristic of hydrolases is their role in cleaving bonds in substrates through the incorporation of water, leading directly to the formation of smaller products. Thus, recognizing that the splitting of substrates is the primary function of hydrolases clarifies why this choice is the correct answer.