Question

In biological systems, such as human digestive system, the hydrolysis of protein is achieved by utilizing enzymes.

1.) What is the main advantage of using enzymes in the hydrolysis of proteins?

2. Identify the enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of protein in the human digestive system and their respective action/function.

Answer 1

The answer to your query is as follows:

In biological systems, such as human digestive system, the hydrolysis of protein is achieved by utilizing enzymes.

1) The main advantages of using the enzymes in the hydrolysis of proteins are as follows:

• Hydrolysis of the proteins with enzymes and not with acid or alkali are done in mild conditions of temperature and pH. It does not result in any loss of the amino acids from the protein digestion.
• The hydrolysis of the peptide bond is controlled by the proteases which are highly specific and and precisely perform the peptide-bond hydrolysis
• These small amounts of enzymes can then be easily deactivated after the hydrolysis of proteins. For example, at the temperature of 85 °C for 3 min and thus can facilitate the isolation of the protein hydrolysates.

2) The enzymes involved in the hydrolysis of protein in the human digestive system and their respective action/function are as follows:

• Pepsin enzyme - It is produced by the chief cells of the stomach.It hydrolysis the proteins into peptides in the stomach.
• Trypsin and chymotrysin enzyme - It is produced by the pancreas and is released into the small intestine. It hydrolysis proteins into peptides.
• Carboxypeptidase enzyme - It is produced by the pancreas and the site of action for this is also small intestine. It acts on peptides and produces amino acids and peptides.
• Aminopeptidase and dipeptidase enzymes - It is produced by the small intestine.It hydrolysis the peptides into the smallest basic absorbable unit called as amino acids.

Hope it helps!