Defenition

Functions of proteins

    DEFENITION
    Digestion & Absorption
    • The digestion of proteins takes place in the stomach and intestines. As a result of digestion, the proteins are broken down to amino acids and absorbed.

    Gastric digestion
    • The proteolytic enzyme present in gastric juice is called as pepsin which acts on proteins in an acid medium and hydrolyse them to simpler compounds known as polypeptides.

    Intestinal digestion
    • The digestion of proteins is further carried out in the intestines by the action of proteolytic enzymes (trypsin, chymotrypsin and peptidase) present in pancreatic and intestinal juices.
    • The polypeptides produced by gastric digestion are hydrolysed to free amino acids by the above enzymes.
    • The amino acids are absorbed in the small intestine and enter the blood circulation through the portal vein.


Last modified: Thursday, 21 June 2012, 9:23 AM