During digestion, the disaccharide maltose is split into two glucose molecules. What does this reaction require?

Core Concept

Digestive enzymes called maltases catalyze hydrolysis, the reverse of the condensation that built maltose. A water molecule contributes an OH group to one glucose and an H to the other as the oxygen bridge between them breaks. Each released glucose regains an independent ring with a free hydroxyl, ready for absorption or further breakdown. Every class of biological polymer, including proteins and nucleic acids, is dismantled by the same water-driven cleavage chemistry.