In considering the reactions between molecules unique to living systems—carbohydrates, lipids (fats), proteins, and nucleic acids—which molecule does not rely on hydrolysis reactions

the overall balanced equation

6co2 + 6h2o > c6h12o6 + 6o2

sunlight energy

where: co2 = carbon dioxide

h2o = water

light energy is required

c6h12o6 = glucose

o2 = oxygen

it provides an alternative energy pathway for the reaction to proceed.

a catalyst is a substance that speeds up the rate of a chemical reaction but is not consumed during the course of the reaction.

catalysts increase the rate of reaction without being used up. they do this by lowering the activation energy needed. with a catalyst, more collisions result in a reaction, so the rate of reaction increases. different reactions need different catalysts.

a catalyst works by providing an alternative reaction pathway to the reaction product. the rate of the reaction is increased as this alternative route has a lower activation energy than the reaction route not mediated by the catalyst.