Pepsin Action and Function

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What is pepsin?

Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.

Where is pepsin produced?

Pepsin is produced in the stomach lining.

What type of enzyme is pepsin?

Pepsin is a protease enzyme.

How does pH affect pepsin activity?

Pepsin is most active in an acidic environment, around pH 1.5 to 2.

What is the role of pepsin in protein digestion?

Pepsin breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.

What precursor is pepsin derived from?

Pepsin is derived from pepsinogen.

Why is pepsinogen secreted instead of pepsin directly?

Pepsinogen prevents the enzyme from digesting the stomach lining.

Can pepsin function in the small intestine?

No, pepsin is inactivated in the less acidic environment of the small intestine.

What is the role of hydrochloric acid relative to pepsin?

Hydrochloric acid activates pepsinogen to pepsin and creates an acidic environment for its action.

How does pepsin contribute to overall digestion?

Pepsin initiates protein breakdown in the stomach, a key step in the digestive process.

What happens to proteins that pepsin cannot digest completely?

They undergo further digestion in the small intestine by other enzymes.

What is the optimal temperature for pepsin function?

The optimal temperature for pepsin activity is around human body temperature (37°C or 98.6°F).

How is pepsin activity regulated?

Pepsin activity is regulated by the secretion of pepsinogen and the pH level of the stomach.

Why is pepsin important for nutrient absorption?

Pepsin breaks down proteins, making nutrients available for absorption.

Can pepsin digest all types of proteins?

Pepsin can digest many but not all proteins due to varying amino acid sequences and structures.

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