|Condensation,Hydrolysis RxN & Biological importance of H²O |Class11th|chapter|Biological molecules|

Condensation Reaction
A condensation reaction (also known as dehydration synthesis) is a process where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, with the removal of a water molecule (H₂O).

Example:
When two monosaccharides like glucose and fructose combine to form sucrose (a disaccharide), a water molecule is released in the process. This type of reaction is essential for forming larger molecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides.

Key Feature: The removal of water is crucial for the formation of new chemical bonds, helping to build complex molecules from simpler ones.

Hydrolysis Reaction
A hydrolysis reaction is the opposite of condensation. It involves the breakdown of a larger molecule into smaller units by adding water. During this reaction, a water molecule is consumed to break a bond between two smaller molecules.

Example:
When sucrose (a disaccharide) is broken down into glucose and fructose, water is added, and the bond between the two sugars is broken.

Key Feature: Hydrolysis is essential for digestion and energy release, as it breaks down food into simpler molecules that can be absorbed and utilized by the body.

Biological Importance of Water (H₂O)
Water is vital for life and has several critical roles in biological processes:

Solvent: Water is often referred to as the "universal solvent" because it can dissolve a wide variety of substances. This allows biochemical reactions to occur efficiently in the body.

Temperature Regulation: Water has a high heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and release large amounts of heat without changing temperature significantly. This helps maintain body temperature in living organisms.

Transport Medium: Water is essential for transporting nutrients, gases (like oxygen and carbon dioxide), and waste products in biological systems. Blood, for example, is mostly water, and it carries these substances throughout the body.

Chemical Reactions: Water is involved in condensation and hydrolysis reactions (as described above), which are essential for the synthesis and breakdown of biomolecules such as proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates.

Maintaining Cell Structure: Water contributes to the turgidity of cells (especially plant cells) by providing internal pressure, helping them maintain their shape.