Question
Download Solution PDFThe protein digesting enzyme, released by the gastric glands present in the wall of the stomach, is called ______.
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)
Detailed Solution
Download Solution PDFThe correct answer is pepsin.
Key Points
- Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme produced by the gastric glands in the stomach lining.
- It is secreted as an inactive enzyme called pepsinogen, which is then activated by the acidic environment of the stomach.
- Pepsin breaks down proteins into smaller peptides, facilitating their further digestion in the small intestine.
- The enzyme is most active at a highly acidic pH of around 1.5 to 2, which is maintained by hydrochloric acid in the stomach.
Additional Information
- Gastric Glands
- These glands are located in the lining of the stomach and secrete gastric juice, which contains hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes like pepsin.
- The primary cells involved are parietal cells (which secrete hydrochloric acid) and chief cells (which secrete pepsinogen).
- Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
- HCl creates an acidic environment in the stomach, which is essential for the activation of pepsinogen to pepsin.
- It also helps in killing bacteria and pathogens ingested with food.
- Protein Digestion
- Protein digestion begins in the stomach and continues in the small intestine with the help of various enzymes.
- Pepsin plays a crucial role in the initial breakdown of proteins into peptides.
- Enzyme Activation
- Pepsinogen is an inactive precursor (zymogen) that is converted into its active form, pepsin, by the acidic pH in the stomach.
- This conversion ensures that the enzyme is activated only in the stomach, preventing damage to other tissues.
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