What is the primary structural difference between a thioester and a regular ester?

What is saponification in the context of thioester hydrolysis under basic conditions?

Combine the steps of nucleophilic acyl substitution to illustrate the full mechanism of thioester hydrolysis.

How does acid catalysis facilitate the hydrolysis of thioesters?

Propose a real-world scenario where thioester hydrolysis is a critical step.