- #1
ambzrose
- 8
- 0
Okay so protein digestion happens a lot in the stomach...how come the stomach doesn't just digest itself??
Protein digestion is the process by which proteins are broken down into smaller molecules called amino acids, which can then be absorbed and used by the body for various functions.
Protein digestion primarily occurs in the stomach and small intestine.
In the stomach, protein digestion is initiated by the enzyme pepsin, which breaks down large protein molecules into smaller peptides.
The stomach is a highly acidic environment, with a pH of 1.5-3.5, which is necessary for the activation of pepsin. This acidic environment also helps to denature proteins, making them easier to digest.
Once proteins are broken down into smaller peptides in the stomach, they are further digested in the small intestine by enzymes such as trypsin and chymotrypsin. These enzymes break the peptides down into individual amino acids, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body for energy and building tissues.