Hydrolase

Hydrolases are a class of enzymes that catalyze hydrolysis reactions, that is, the cleavage of chemical bonds involving water. Hydrolases play an important role in many biochemical processes occurring in the cells of living organisms.

The main types of hydrolases include:

1. Proteases - break down peptide bonds in proteins.

2. Nucleases - cleave phosphodiester bonds in nucleic acids.

3. Lipases - hydrolyze ester bonds in lipids.

4. Glycosidases - break down glycosidic bonds in carbohydrates.

Hydrolases play a key role in digestion as they break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates in food. They are also involved in the regulation of many metabolic pathways in cells. Disturbances in the functioning of some hydrolases can lead to the development of serious diseases.