Hydrolysis is a chemical process in which water molecules break down a compound, resulting in the formation of new substances. This reaction typically involves the addition of water to a larger molecule, causing it to split into smaller components. Hydrolysis is essential in various biological processes, such as digestion, where complex food molecules are broken down into simpler forms. In addition to biological systems, hydrolysis is also important in industrial applications. For example, the hydrolysis of sucrose into glucose and fructose is a key step in producing sweeteners. Understanding hydrolysis helps in fields like chemistry, biology, and food science.