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Attempts 127

How is pepsin used by the body?

  1. A
    To break down proteins
  2. B
    To break down starches
  3. C
    To emulsify fats and oils
  4. D
    To absorb water and nutrients

Topic Flashcards

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Question

What is the primary function of pepsin in the digestive system?

Answer

Breaks down proteins — pepsin is a stomach enzyme that hydrolyzes dietary proteins into smaller peptides for further digestion in the intestines.

Question

In which organ does pepsin mainly act to digest food?

Answer

Stomach — activated in acidic conditions (pH 1.5–2.5), pepsin cleaves peptide bonds in proteins from food like meat, eggs, and dairy.

Question

What type of enzyme is pepsin, and what does it target?

Answer

Proteolytic (protease) enzyme — specifically targets and breaks down proteins into peptides and some amino acids as the first step of protein digestion.

Question

Why is pepsin essential for protein digestion?

Answer

It initiates breakdown of large proteins into absorbable peptides; without it, proteins remain intact longer, though pancreatic enzymes continue digestion later.

Question

How does pepsin differ from amylase or lipase in digestion?

Answer

Pepsin digests proteins (protease); amylase breaks down starches (carbohydrase), lipase emulsifies and digests fats — pepsin works only on proteins in the acidic stomach.

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Does pepsin break down proteins in the stomach?
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