1. Plural of hydrolase; enzymes that catalyze the breakdown of chemical bonds by adding water molecules, commonly used in digestion and cellular metabolism.
Usage: technical; biochemistry; plural form

Examples

• Hydrolases are essential enzymes that break down proteins, fats, and carbohydrates in the digestive system.
• The body produces various hydrolases to facilitate the breakdown of complex molecules into simpler compounds.
• Proteases are a class of hydrolases that specifically cleave peptide bonds in proteins.
• Industrial applications of hydrolases include their use in detergents and food processing.
• Hydrolases work by catalyzing hydrolysis reactions, which require water molecules to break chemical bonds.