875 views
0 votes
What occurs during the digestion of proteins

User Bob Aman
by
8.1k points

2 Answers

5 votes
Once a protein source reaches your stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes called proteases break it down into smaller chains of amino acids. Amino acids are joined together by peptides, which are broken by proteases. From your stomach, these smaller chains of amino acids move into your small intestine.
User Adam Rice
by
7.0k points
3 votes

Answer and Explanation:

During the digestion of proteins, they are broken down into their individual amino acids by enzymes called proteases. Proteins are initially broken down in the stomach by the enzyme pepsin, which is activated by the acidic environment in the stomach. The partially digested protein then moves to the small intestine, where enzymes called trypsin, chymotrypsin, and carboxypeptidase break down the protein further into individual amino acids or small chains of amino acids (peptides). These smaller units can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to cells throughout the body where they are used to build new proteins, enzymes, and other molecules.

User Eudemonics
by
7.1k points