What is the result of hydrolysis on macromolecules?

The process of hydrolysis effectively breaks down macromolecules into their constituent monomers. This reaction involves the addition of water molecules, which helps to sever the covalent bonds that link the monomers together in a polymer. For example, when proteins undergo hydrolysis, they are split into individual amino acids; polysaccharides are broken down into simple sugars; and nucleic acids are divided into nucleotides. Thus, hydrolysis is crucial for digestion and metabolism, allowing macromolecules to be broken down into smaller, usable units that the body can absorb and utilize.

While other processes might contribute to the building or conversion of macromolecules, hydrolysis specifically refers to the breakdown, making the correct understanding pivotal in the study of biological macromolecules and their functions.