What enzyme digest protein?

The primary enzymes responsible for digesting proteins are proteases or proteolytic enzymes. These enzymes break down proteins into smaller peptides and eventually into individual amino acids, which can be absorbed and utilized by the body. Here are some of the key proteases involved in protein digestion:

1. Pepsin: Pepsin is a protease produced in the stomach. It is most active in acidic conditions and begins the process of protein digestion in the stomach. Pepsin breaks down proteins into smaller peptides.

2. Trypsin: Trypsin is a protease produced by the pancreas and secreted into the small intestine. It becomes active in the alkaline environment of the small intestine. Trypsin further breaks down the peptides produced by pepsin into smaller peptides and some free amino acids.

3. Chymotrypsin: Another pancreatic protease, chymotrypsin, also works in the small intestine. Like trypsin, it breaks down peptides into smaller peptides and amino acids.

4. Elastase: Elastase is another protease produced by the pancreas. It is responsible for digesting elastin, a protein found in connective tissues.

5. Carboxypeptidases: Carboxypeptidases are a group of proteases that cleave amino acids from the carboxyl-terminus (C-terminus) of peptides.

6. Aminopeptidases: Aminopeptidases cleave amino acids from the amino-terminus (N-terminus) of peptides.

These proteases work together to break down dietary proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which are then absorbed and used for various metabolic processes in the body.