Metabolic hydrolysis and prodrug design. Classification, localization, and some physiological roles of hydrolytic enzymes. Catalytic mechanisms of hydrolytic enzymes. The hydrolysis of amides. The hydrolysis of lactams. The hydrolysis of peptides. The hydrolysis of carboxylic acid esters. The hydrolysis of carboxylic acid ester prodrugs. The cleavage of esters of inorganic acids. The hydration of epoxides. Miscellaneous reactions of hydration and dehydration. The biochemistry of water.