Biology CLEP Prep Practice Exam

What is the process in which proteins are broken down into their component amino acids?

1. Denaturation

2. Polymerization

3. Hydrolysis

4. Catabolism

The correct answer is: Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is the process in which proteins are broken down into their component amino acids. This process involves the chemical reaction between water molecules and the peptide bonds that hold the amino acids together in a protein. This results in the breakdown of the protein into its individual amino acids. A is incorrect because denaturation is the process of unfolding and altering the shape of a protein, but does not break it apart into its component parts. B is incorrect because polymerization is the process of joining smaller molecules together to form a larger molecule, whereas hydrolysis is the opposite process - breaking down a larger molecule into smaller ones. D is incorrect because catabolism refers to the breakdown of larger molecules to release energy, but does not specifically refer to the breakdown of proteins into amino acids.