pepsin
/'pepsin/
Definition
- 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.
Noun
-
an enzyme produced in the stomach that splits proteins into peptones
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