pepsin

/'pepsin/

Thân thiện

A scientist adds pepsin to a test tube during an experiment.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A digestive enzyme: Pepsin is an enzyme produced in the stomach that breaks down proteins into simpler compounds called peptones during digestion.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • Pepsin is essential for the proper digestion of dietary proteins.
  • The doctor explained that low levels of pepsin can lead to digestive issues.
  • This medication contains pepsin to aid digestion.

Advanced Usage

• Scientific/Medical Context: Pepsin is often discussed in biochemistry and medicine regarding gastric function.
  • The activity of pepsin is optimal in the highly acidic environment of the stomach.
  • Pepsinogen is the inactive precursor that is converted to active pepsin.

Variants and Related Words

• Pepsinogen (noun): The inactive zymogen (precursor) of pepsin, secreted by gastric chief cells.
• Peptic (adjective): Relating to or promoting digestion, especially involving pepsin or the stomach (e.g., peptic ulcer).

Synonyms

• Protease: A general term for any enzyme that breaks down proteins. (Note: Pepsin is a specific type of protease active in the stomach.)
• Proteinase: Another general term for a protein-digesting enzyme.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Pepsin A: The main form of pepsin found in human gastric juice.
• Pepsin digestion: A laboratory technique using pepsin to break down proteins for analysis.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an enzyme produced in the stomach that splits proteins into peptones