Hydrases are enzymes that are responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of different types of bonds that contain water. These enzymes get their name from their ability to break down bonds that contain water molecules. In the human body, hydrases play a crucial role in different metabolic pathways that involve the digestion of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Some common synonyms for the term hydrases include hydrolytic enzymes, hydrolases, hydroxylases, and water-cleaving enzymes. All of these terms describe enzymes that break down different types of bonds that contain water. These enzymes are essential for many biological processes and are found in a wide variety of organisms, including bacteria, fungi, plants, and animals.