Identify a protein-digesting enzyme.

The correct answer is Pepsin.

Key Points

• Pepsin is a protein-digesting enzyme.
• So, if the acid-secreting cells of the stomach wall get damaged due to some reasons, the digestion of protein would be affected to a large extent.
• Pepsin activation would be reduced resulting in low to no protein digestion.
• This may also lead to increased bacterial growth as a result of the non-production of HCl.

Important Points

• The Gastric Glands secrete the enzyme Pepsin.
• Gastric glands are found in the stomach. They secrete enzymes like Pepsin, Rennin which act upon the Proteins.
• Glands in the mucous membrane which line the stomach make and store an inactive protein known as pepsinogen. When pepsinogen is released into the stomach and mixed with gastric juice, it is converted into pepsin.
• Pepsin partially degrades proteins into smaller units called peptides.

Additional Information

• Salivary amylase is a digestive enzyme that helps in the breakdown of carbohydrates (starch) into simpler molecules.
• Collagen fiber is a type of connective tissue fiber.
  • It is made up of collagen protein.
  • It provides strength to the body in various ways.
• Lipase is an enzyme that splits fats so the intestines can absorb them.
  • Lipase hydrolyses fats like triglycerides into their component fatty acid and glycerol molecules.
  • It is secreted by Pancreas.