Pepsin
Definition
Pepsin is an enzyme in the stomach that breaks down proteins into smaller peptides during digestion.
Analogy
Think of pepsin as a pair of scissors. Just like how scissors cut paper into smaller pieces, pepsin cuts proteins into smaller peptides so they can be easily absorbed by our body.
Related terms
Protease: An enzyme that performs proteolysis, protein catabolism by hydrolysis of peptide bonds.
Enzyme: A substance produced by a living organism which acts as a catalyst to bring about a specific biochemical reaction.
Digestion: The process in the alimentary canal by which food is broken up physically, as by the action of the teeth, and chemically, as by the action of enzymes, and converted into a substance suitable for absorption and assimilation into the body.
"Pepsin" appears in:
Study guides (1)
Practice Questions (3)
- Pepsin is an enzyme that functions optimally at a pH of 2. Where is it found?
- The protein pepsin reacts with which biological molecule to break it down?
- Enzymes operate their best at optimal environmental conditions specific for the type of enzyme. Pepsin, an enzyme found in the stomach most likely operates best at a pH of:
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