Pepsin Action and Function

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What is pepsin?
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Pepsin is a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins in the stomach.
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Where is pepsin produced?
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Pepsin is produced in the stomach lining.
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What type of enzyme is pepsin?
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Pepsin is a protease enzyme.
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How does pH affect pepsin activity?
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Pepsin is most active in an acidic environment, around pH 1.5 to 2.
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What is the role of pepsin in protein digestion?
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Pepsin breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.
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What precursor is pepsin derived from?
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Pepsin is derived from pepsinogen.
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Why is pepsinogen secreted instead of pepsin directly?
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Pepsinogen prevents the enzyme from digesting the stomach lining.
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Can pepsin function in the small intestine?
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No, pepsin is inactivated in the less acidic environment of the small intestine.
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What is the role of hydrochloric acid relative to pepsin?
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Hydrochloric acid activates pepsinogen to pepsin and creates an acidic environment for its action.
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How does pepsin contribute to overall digestion?
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Pepsin initiates protein breakdown in the stomach, a key step in the digestive process.
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What happens to proteins that pepsin cannot digest completely?
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They undergo further digestion in the small intestine by other enzymes.
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What is the optimal temperature for pepsin function?
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The optimal temperature for pepsin activity is around human body temperature (37°C or 98.6°F).
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How is pepsin activity regulated?
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Pepsin activity is regulated by the secretion of pepsinogen and the pH level of the stomach.
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Why is pepsin important for nutrient absorption?
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Pepsin breaks down proteins, making nutrients available for absorption.
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Can pepsin digest all types of proteins?
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Pepsin can digest many but not all proteins due to varying amino acid sequences and structures.
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